e-Burundi is a small country in East Africa, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. For some years now, the government has been working to improve access to public services through digitalization, but while progress can be seen in some areas, in others, not so much.
As per the latest(available) UN e-government survey, Burundi’s digital governance profile reveals a mixed picture. It falls within the categories of Middle EGDI, Middle OSI, Middle HCI, and Middle EPI, but low TII.
Now, what does all of that mean?
Where does e-Burundi stand in terms of digital governance?
When we analyses Burundi’s digital governance status based on the latest UN e-government survey, several key indicators stand out. First, Burundi is classified as falling within the group of Middle EGDI, which refers to the E-Government Development Index. This index measures the extent of e-government development in terms of online service delivery, telecommunication infrastructure, and human capital.
Additionally, Burundi is placed in the category of Middle OSI, which stands for Online Service Index. This indicates the level of online services provided by the government to its citizens. A Middle OSI ranking suggests that while online services may be available, there is room for improvement in terms of accessibility, usability, and/or effectiveness.
Moreover, Burundi’s classification as Low TII (Telecommunication Infrastructure Index) implies that the country’s telecommunication infrastructure, including internet connectivity and network coverage, is way below the regional average. As you can guess it….This can pose challenges in providing widespread access to digital services and connectivity (especially, but not limited) to remote areas.
Similarly, being categorised as Middle HCI (Human Capital Index) suggests that there is moderate development in terms of the skills and capabilities of the population to engage with digital technologies effectively. This indicates the need for investments in education and training programs to enhance digital literacy and proficiency among citizens.
Lastly, we have Middle EPI, which refers to the E-Participation Index. Surprisingly, e-Burundi seems to be ranking higher than expected in terms of citizen engagement through digital channels. That’s a positive sign, indicating that despite other challenges, there’s a willingness among Burundians to engage with their government online.
One of the winning initiatives from Africa, according to the UN
The UN Digital Government Awards 2023 showcased remarkable initiatives from across the globe, highlighting the progress made in using digital technology to advance public services in alignment with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The awards were structured into four distinct categories… each representing a vital aspect of digital transformation in the public sector.
One notable winner was Burundi’s “Guichet électronique de création d’entreprise (Easy Business),” recognised for its outstanding contribution to facilitating business registration processes.
It won the award for “Best digital single window for creating or operating a business” which was a joint award it shared with Bhutan and El Salvador.
This digital single window platform stands out as one of the fastest platforms globally for registering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering users the convenience of initiating business creation procedures directly from their mobile phones. But it’s not just about speed and accessibility. This platform is also driving efficiency in government operations and cutting down on paper usage in administrative processes.
Biometric ID cards by 2025?
Burundi’s journey with biometric ID cards has been both promising and fraught with delays. While successful trials have been conducted, the project has encountered significant setbacks, with registrations for biometric IDs commencing as far back as 2013. These delays raise questions about the efficiency and timeliness of implementation, highlighting the complexities inherent in large-scale digital projects.
Adding to the complexity, Burundi, like many African countries, has faced scrutiny over its handling of biometric data. A research report from 2022 raised concerns about data protection and privacy practices among African governments, including Burundi.
Nevertheless, the introduction of biometric IDs is seen as a critical step for Burundi’s democratic process. By enhancing the integrity of elections and helping prevent fraud, these IDs could play a vital role in ensuring fair and transparent voting procedures. Additionally, the cards’ compatibility with regional agreements on free movement among East African countries adds another layer of significance.
However, there’s still some uncertainty lingering around the project, with Interior Minister Martin Niteretse promising biometric ID cards before 2025. It’s a hopeful sign, but only time will tell if they can meet this deadline.
Final thoughts
While e-Burundi’s digital governance status shows moderate progress in certain areas, there are clear opportunities for improvement, particularly in telecommunication infrastructure and human capital development.
Sources:
https://unctad.org/news/un-digital-government-awards-celebrate-excellence-online-public-services
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/28-Burundi
