Unlocking the potential of open government in Africa policy, legal and technical requirements for open government implementation in Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine how best ECA can assist African countries to improve transparency and unlock social and economic value, given the vast developmental, social and economic gains that have been realized in countries that have moved towards open government, in particular through open government data (OGD) platforms at national and subnational levels. This project focuses on the use of open government and OGD to enhance governance initiatives and improve the social and economic conditions of African citizens. The study has two facets: a report on the policy, legal and technical requirements for open government in Africa, which provides a description of the requisite environment for the implementation of open government initiatives in African countries, with a focus on social and economic empowerment of African citizens through the provision of OGD; and the development of guidelines, a step-by-step guide for countries wishing to follow best practices for the implementation of open government within a suitable contextual and technological framework. The guidelines are arranged in four thematic chapters, which are further subdivided into sections for ease of reference.