Despite being a low-income nation and the world’s fourth largest island, e-Madagascar has demonstrated significant improvements in its E-Government Development Index (EGDI) values between 2020 and 2022.
When analyzing Madagascar’s digital governance profile, I find it noteworthy that the country falls into the Middle EGDI group. This classification indicates that while there is room for improvement, it has managed to achieve a respectable level of e-government development relative to its income level.
What’s more, the country’s standing in the high Human Capital Index (HCI) category (an indicator of EGDI) is particularly promising, showcasing a strong foundation of human resources conducive to digital advancement.
However, Madagascar faces challenges in terms of its Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), where it falls into the Low category. This indicates limitations in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, which could hinder its ability to fully leverage digital technologies for governance and socio-economic development.
In just two years, e-Madagascar has made impressive strides in its E-Participation Index (EPI) ranking, climbing 40 places in the latest UN e-government survey. This suggests a growing trend towards greater citizen engagement and inclusivity in governance processes.
The online platform is not enough
I think what’s really crucial about the development of Torolalana is its recognition of the limitations of relying solely on online platforms for citizen engagement in a country like Madagascar, where internet access is still a luxury for many.
Looking at the Malagasy government’s online platform, Torolalana, I believe it initially followed a trend seen in many countries worldwide, drawing inspiration from the GOV.UK model. However, this approach risked excluding a significant portion of the Malagasy population—approximately 80%—who lacked internet access.
In these conditions, it’s commendable that they’ve moved beyond just mirroring a model and taken proactive steps to ensure inclusivity by embracing multiple communication channels. The government recognized the need to expand beyond the online platform and leverage multiple channels to connect with citizens effectively.
To address this challenge, Torolalana began integrating in-person channels such as help desks, mobile agents, and call centers. By embracing a multi-channel approach, the government aimed to ensure that vital services and information are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their digital literacy or internet connectivity.
Post offices emerged as a strategic partner in this effort, given their widespread presence and the trust they command among Malagasy citizens. Leveraging the existing infrastructure and credibility of post offices, the government introduced the Mahatoky service—an in-person help desk located within post offices. (The name “Mahatoky,” meaning “trust” in Malagasy.)
What I like most about this initiative is its recognition of the importance of meeting citizens where they are. By establishing physical help desks in post offices, the government acknowledges that not all citizens have access to digital platforms and seeks to bridge the gap by offering alternative channels for engagement and support.
Support from the World Bank
I think the situation in e-Madagascar regarding birth registration is quite concerning. While it’s admirable that the coverage was at 80% in 2009, seeing it drop to 74% by 2021 was definitely a setback. This decline not only limits access to essential services like healthcare, education, and banking but also poses challenges for social protection programs that rely on accurate identity data.
Fortunately, the Government of Madagascar has partnered with the World Bank on the Digital Governance and Identification Management System (PRODIGY) Project. This initiative aims to achieve universal birth registration and identity coverage while keeping costs low, particularly in light of challenges such as low digital literacy and mobile connectivity.
What I find commendable is Madagascar’s focus on developing homegrown solutions tailored to its unique context (drawing inspiration from countries like Namibia.) Despite differences in wealth, size, and population density, both countries share a common goal of strengthening civil registries as the foundation for identity management. This highlights the importance of learning from diverse experiences and adapting strategies to local realities.
What I’d like to add is the significance of the interoperability platform being developed in Madagascar. Leveraging X-road technology for secure data exchange between different government information systems is a commendable approach. By integrating civil registry and identification databases with the national social registry, e-Madagascar can efficiently identify and target vulnerable households for much-needed social protection and other services.
Final thoughts
What I’d like to add is that while Madagascar’s progress is commendable (especially in e-participation), sustaining and building upon these gains will require ongoing commitment from the government as well as international support.
Sources:
https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/nasikiliza/legal-identity-all-what-can-madagascar-learn-namibia https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P169413
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/101-Madagascar
