AN ANALYSIS OF ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT IN THE MALAWI LOCAL GOVERNMENT - CASE OF MWANZA AND ZOMBA DISTRICT COUNCILS

Abstract

The research targeted at finding out how the Local Government in Malawi was doing in terms of electronic government implementation. The research’s main objective was to assess e-government initiative in selected district councils in Malawi, namely Mwanza and Zomba. The assessment was done through analysis of the policy framework, assessment of the initiatives that have been put in place to help promote e-government implementation, analysis of benefits of implementing e-government and finally a discussion of challenges that were hindering e-government implementation at the local government level in Malawi was made. The research employed a qualitative approach to collect data. The methods that were employed included process document reviews, questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Firstly, it was revealed that there was minimal e-government framework because of lack of relevant and sufficient policies to help in the implementation of the project. Secondly, there was lack of consistency ine-government initiatives such as trainings and awareness and refresher programs due to among other things lack of funding. Thirdly, it was an appreciation of the benefits that the little implemented e-government had brought in the service delivery. Finally, athorough investigation was made on challenges which included technical (ICT infrastructure, IT standards National Information Infrastructure and collaboration), governing (leadership, top management support and funding, among others) and social factors (training, awareness and social influence statements). The study established that the local government in Malawi was not able to fully provide e services because of the above articulated factors. It was then revealed that there was minimal e-government implementation at the local government level in Malawi.