Intersecting Digital Governance and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

Keith Tichaona Tashu (PhD Student)

School of Government
Faculty of Economic Management Sciences
University of the Western Cape
Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
Phone: +263 775 656 084 email: [email protected]

And

Tafadzwa Moyo (PhD Student)

School of Government Studies
North West University,
Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: +263 782 125 568 email: [email protected]

Abstract
The advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the internet has
revolutionalised the manner in which governments and citizens interact as well as service
delivery models. Digital tools have the potential to promote sustainable economic
transformation and development within the 21 st Century by ensuring that governments attain
cost efficiency and effectiveness gains. The successful attainment of Agenda 2030 has
become a priority for all governments across the globe and Africa is no exception. There is
acknowledgement that the Agenda 2030 can be driven by digitisation efforts, however, there
is little scholarly evidence which indicate how digital tools can be incorporated in SDGs
implementation in Africa. The study adopted extant secondary qualitative literature as the
research method. Findings, conclusions and recommendations are drawn from documentary
search of books, journal articles, working papers, government reports, audit reports and
newspaper articles. This study focused on examining how digital government can be
incorporated upon the SDGs implementation trajectory, progress made and challenges
being faced. The study findings established that developing countries have failed to fully
embrace ICTs in driving implementation of SDGs. African countries are facing underlying
problems which include digital divide challenges, lack of political will, lack of skills and limited
funding among others which have been a hindrance towards their digitisation efforts. The
study findings established that African countries have a skewed and biased understanding
when it comes to digitization. The study recommends that governments in Africa have to
invest regulatory and policy framework, source adequate funding for digital projects and
educate the general populace on ICTs.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Information and Communication Technologies,

Fourth Industrial Revolution, Digitalization, Public Service Delivery

Introduction
The advent of advent of the digital revolution and globalisation has provided opportunities for
government to explore use of ICTs in service delivery. ICTs have also been adopted to spur
the growth and development in different government sectors like education, health,
agriculture among others. With increased calls for actions globally for the implementation of
Sustainable Development Goals, utilisation of ICTs can foster effective implementation. ICT
can be a critical catalyst for rapid uptake of the innovative solutions needed to put the world
on the SDG path and meet the goals. ICT can be a crucial enabler in helping to achieve the
SDGs, particularly in today’s low-income countries where closing the development gap
requires substantial effort, innovation and investment The diffusion of mobile and internet
technologies has transcended to developing countries as evidenced by high penetration of
mobile phones within the 21st century. Against this backdrop this study explores SDGs
implementation in the context of digital governance within the African governments. This
study is a qualitative study driven by an inquiry of documents which include reports, journals
and books to discuss how digital technologies can influence SDGs implementation. It
critically analyse challenges faced by developing countries in integrating ICTs in SDGs
implementation and provides possible strategies. The case of Africa considerably presents a
viable context for discerning the role of digitalization in the acceleration of SDGs.

Conceptual Framework
Sustainable Development Goals

SDGs are a set of objectives within a universal agreement to end poverty, protect all that
makes the planet habitable, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity, now and
in the future (Morton, Pencheon and Squires, 2017:83). The SDGS were crafted to address
the over-whelming empirical and scientific evidence that the world needs a radically more
sustainable approach. This set of goals is interlinked and they seek to push the globe
towards attaining sustainable development goals by 2030. The SDGs, set out a shared
global agenda for human development based on prosperity, social inclusion and
environmental sustainability. SDGs are built upon eight Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) geared towards addressing poverty by 2015 (United Nations, 2018). However,
SDGs are far more ambitious than the MDGs in the sense that they call for attainment of 17
breakthroughs by 2030, including the end of extreme poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2),
universal health coverage (SDG 3), universal secondary education (SDG 4), universal
access to modern energy services (SDG 7), sustainable cities (SDG 11), combating climate
change (SDG 13) among others (United Nations, 2014). These SDGs are “universal”, in the
sense that they apply to all nations and to all people within those nations and also “holistic”,
in that all 17 SDGs must be achieved in unison (Labadi, Gilberto, Rosetti, Shetabbi and
Yildirim, 2019:).
Digital Governance

The term digital governance stems from use of digital technologies in steering
communication, participation and access to services in a country. According to Malkovich
(2022) digital governance is a broad umbrella-term referring to the networked extension of
ICT relationships including faster access to the internet, mobile service delivery, remote
connectivity, and the use of advanced technologies to provide greater security and higher-
level transactions. Governance” described by Kettl (2015) as how the government links to
its broader political, social, administrative and environment. Hence digital governance is
described as the implementation of electronic means to simplify and enhance governance in
the political, government and business aspects through facilitation of interactions between
government, business and citizens. (Choi & Chandler, 2020; Wang et al., 2018). According
to the OCED (2012); Twizeyimana and Andersson, (2019) digital governance incorporates a
wide array of technological implications including applications of digital skills, digital public
service, ICTs infrastructure, connectivity, and the use of the internet. An ICT driven
government is amplified and appreciated to be an important ingredient of the realisation of
SDGs. Digital governance or e-government can, in (1) interaction between government,
people and government and corporations as well as in (2) internal government operations,
described as the implementation of electronic means to simplify and enhance governance in
the political, government and business aspects (Choi & Chandler, 2020; Wang et al., 2018).
Therefore, digital Governance is the framework used to define a digital presence
organisation’s responsibilities, role, and decision making authority including its websites
(Wang, Medaglia, and Zheng, 2018).

Theoretical Framework

Modernisation Theory

Modernization theory refers to a body of theory that help in understanding issues of

economic and social development. According to Gwynne (2009) the modernisation theory
became prominent in creating policies that would assist economic and social transitions in
poorer countries Moreso it emphasizes internal forces and sources of socio-economic
development such as formal education, market-based economy, and democratic and secular
political structures. Although modernization theory does not rule out external forces and
sources of social change and economic development, it focuses less on foreign influences
(Jenkins and Scanlan, 2001; Shrum, 2000). Shrum, (2000) postulates that among external
influences, however, science is exceptional because it is considered beneficial to developing
countries by way of ‘knowledge and technology transfer’ from developed countries. In other
words, societies can be fast-tracked to modernization by ‘importing’ Western technical
capital, forms of organization, and science and technology to developing countries
(Herkenrath and Bornschier, 2003; Shrum, 2000).

Modernization theory holds that since ICTs have been essential elements of development.
Therefore this study adopts the modernisation theory to explain the implementation of SDGs
driven by ICT within the African context. Rostow (1965) argues that adoption of scientific
methods and scientific ways of thinking and acquisition of techno scientific skills are critical
at the ‘transition to takeoff’ stage of development (Chirot and Hall, 1982). ICT and
development are linked both in terms of “information and communication technologies as
an engine of development” (Fleming 2002).Essentially, proponents of modernization theory
view science and technology as catalysts for development. Science and technology provide
conducive environments for economic growth in developing countries through their ability to
provide rational protocols in decision making for the efficient use of material and human
resources (Shrum and Shenhav, 1995). Theories of modernization are based on the notion
that technological knowledge, tools, and techniques developed in the West should be
transferred to less developed economies to achieve mutual benefit. (Qureshi, 2015). Hence,
the modernisation theory will help to explain the effects of ICTs on SDGs implementation in
Africa. . ICTs offer opportunities for government to adopt innovative approaches in service
delivery and fulfilling other government functions.

Digital Governance and SDGs implementation: A global overview

The SDGs call for the transformation of the financial, economic, and political systems that
govern countries and most countries are on the path towards fulfilling the mandate (UN-
SDA, 2015). However, the 2020 UN survey report on progress made toward achieving the
SDGs recognized that the global efforts to date have been insufficient to deliver the needed
transformation worldwide (UN-SDGR, 2020). Therefore, this reflects urgent need by
countries globe to devise strategies to push progress in SDGs implementation Essentially
the diffusion and adaptation of digital technologies across globe and high rise of
innovations in ICT led industry has transformed the manner in which government execute its
functions (Onyango and Ondiek, 2018:1) .In support of this the United Nations Department
of Economic and Social Affairs (2018) the global spread of broadband and Internet
technologies provides opportunities to transform the traditional way of doing things across
public administration into collaborative governance that supports sustainable development in
outcomes. ICT can be a critical catalyst for rapid uptake of the innovative solutions needed
to put the world on the SDG path and meet the goals (Sachs et al.2020). This call for
government act by outlining a roadmap for governments to achieve modern data systems for
SDGs (Espey, Badiee, Dahmm, Appel, and Noe, 2019).
The digital revolution presents incredible opportunities to innovate, strengthen, and improve
the ways of working across government service delivery. The 2016 UN E-Government
Survey provides new evidence that e-government has the potential to help support the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). It is
increasingly becoming clear that digital changes are becoming a key driving force in societal
transformation (Domingos, 2015, Tegmark, 2017; Craglia et al, 2018). In particular, Banga
and te Velde (2018) contend that the discussion between SDGs and digitalization
demonstrates that digital technologies play transformation role in SDGs implementation
discourse. Digitalization is not only an “instrument” for resolving sustainability challenges, it
is also a fundamental driver of disruptive, multiscalar change. However, Schwab, (2016)
postulates that the transformation toward sustainability must be harmonized with the threats,
opportunities, and dynamics of the digital revolution, and the goals of the 2030 Agenda. This
way, the digital transformation will radically alter all dimensions of global societies and
economies, and it will, therefore, change the interpretation of the sustainability paradigm
itself.

Methodology

The study sought to examine the intersection of SDGs and digital governance in the
developing country context in Africa through adopting a qualitative research methodology. A
qualitative research methodology refers to a range of data collection and analysis techniques
that use purposive sampling and semi-structured, open-ended interviews (Dudwick et al.,
2006; Gopaldas, 2016). In this study, data to inform the research study was accessed
through a review of various documents which include reports, articles, books to contextualise
ICTs driven SDGs implementation in African countries. These documents were purposively
selected due to their relevance in answering research objectives which include a) examining
state of SDGs implementation in African states, examining the integration of SDGs
implementation with digital technologies and challenges facing African countries in SDGs
implementation in the era of digitilisation.

SDGs implementation Overview: Why case of Africa

Countries across the globe have adopted a leaving no one behind mantra in SDGs
implementation, it is imperative to assess how ICTs can drive development to developing
countries which usually lag behind. According to the UN (2020) overall, the average score
across all African member states was 53.82 in 2020, which is slightly higher than the 2019
average. However, still implies that, after four years of SDG implementation, the African
continent is only halfway towards achieving the SDG goals and targets by 2030. UTWO 50
adds that the majority of African member states are not on track to take “full responsibility for
financing their development Goals” as defined by either the 2030 Agenda or Agenda 2063.
Africa accounts for a very large share of the global population facing mass poverty. As such,
progress implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in this region will affect
SDG implementation worldwide, given the relatively large levels of deprivations.

Moreso, the scale of the challenge to achieve SDG 3 (good health) remains huge,
particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South-East Asia. Malaria and other tropical
diseases still present a significant challenge and the global disease burden gap presents a
range of challenges to overcome. According to Songwe (2018:5) Africa’s rapidly growing
population and the fast pace of urbanization need to be well managed as it is expected to
double to 2.5 billion by 2050 and half of the population of the region will live in urban areas
by 2035. These trends combined with rising per capita consumption, are set to escalate
requirements for employment, food, water, energy and shelter. Sustainable consumption and
production patterns will, thus, be indispensable to building resilient and sustainable societies
in Africa. In Africa, there is insufficient evidence to suggest a direct link between ICTs and
development. Ngwenyama et al, (2006:3) argue that “recent studies have found a positive
correlation between investment in ICTs and economic growth in developed countries, but
evidence for developing countries is not as extensive”. However, the potential for ICTs to
transform the productive capacities of developing nations has been noted (Crafts, 2003;
Chen and Zhu, 2004). According to May (2020) ICTs have been described as the means
whereby developing countries can leapfrog over development stages and technology barriers to
achieve both economic growth and broad-based development. The implication of this is that
there is a need for Africa to conceptualise the role of ICTs in realising the continent’s unique
development goals.

Implementation of SDGS in the era of digital Government

SDG 1Poverty Reduction

According to the UN TWI2050, (2018), the goal is to lift people out of poverty and provide
prosperous development opportunities for the nation through quality public services,
especially for vulnerable groups. Hence in this regard ICTs can be harnessed to end
information poverty and economic isolation, which are at the root of all other dimensions of
poverty. A relationship exists between high levels of inequality and poverty; therefore, ICTs
can be key in transforming public services to make them more accessible to the poor.
Reaching the extremely poor requires transforming public services to work and become
responsive to the needs of the poor via basic e-services (Van Domelen, 2007). Overally, a
vast ICT application area is reengineering government processes and developing online
delivery channels to provide client-centred public services--making them work transparently,
efficiently (TWI2050, 2018). Accelerating the development of human capital and securing
the wellbeing of the poor by transforming education and health services, for instance, via e-
learning and mobile health is key towards addressing inequality induced poverty. This paves
the way for sustainable development, including inclusive economic growth, social
development, protection of the environment and poverty eradication (Millard and Ojo, 201.7)
example, by using mobile to provide timely information to farmers and entrepreneurs.

A core feature of SDGs is their strong focus on means of implementation, the mobilisation of
financial resources, capacity building, technology and as well as data institutions (Morton et
al 2017).

SDG 2 Zero Hunger

The challenge of hunger can be addressed through adopting ICTs especially in the
agriculture sector which forms the economic backbone for most African countries. According
to Vera (2015:3) Africa's inherent vulnerability to the impacts of climate change makes it
imperative for governments to incorporate digital technologies to stimulate agricultural
productivity. Hence ICTs can be used for improving food security and promoting agricultural
sustainability example, by e-agriculture strategies (TWI2050, 2018). Most countries within
Africa are dependent on agricultural production to sustain livelihoods; hence ICTs become
handy in ensuring access to information. Additions, to sustain and increase productivity ICTs
can be used to formulate better crop hybrids and other agricultural related innovations.
According to the UN (2050 vision) ICTs help in monitoring food supplies and mapping
agricultural production and food shortages to establish comprehensive data base (Big Data
ICTs can help improve farming methods and productivity as well as improving storage
conditions and delivery efficiency throughout the smart supply chain, e.g., using radio-
frequency identification (RFID) tags. For instance, in Rwanda, drones are being used to
deliver semen to local rural animal breeders which drives high production levels for animal
husbandry.

SDG3 Good Health & Well-Being

Bogdan-Martin (2017) underscores that ICTs can be used for improving healthcare on many
levels. ICT can deliver substantial and significant benefits across the whole of the global
healthcare ecosystem by providing has provided opportunities for improved health service
provision through digital medicine For instance, connecting remote health centres and
expertise, improving diagnosis and patient support (ICT for integrated care) (Bogdan-Martin,
2017). Connectivity enables health workers to be connected to information and diagnostic
services, while analytics can help make projections about disease outbreaks, health service
usage, patient knowledge. Zimbabwe adopted Impilo Electronic Health Record system which
helps in improving patient health data management for reporting and monitoring. In this
regard the health record systems help to offer proper diagnosis which enhances the quality
of health services rendered. On another hand For instance, in Malawi, SMS has been used
to improve health services at community level to manage logistics, report events and
address emergencies (Lemay, Nancy Vollmer et al 2012). Uganda established a Health
Information Network which has helped with the unification and interoperability of different
databases into a single database that contains not only electronic medical records but also
vital registries.

SDG 4 Quality Education

The availability of ICTs have provided opportunities for improved access to quality
education. Digitisation efforts can promote the realisation of quality education in Africa. The
main task in achieving sustainable education for all by 2030 has been converting the
education environment into more learner-centered (Sánchez et al., 2011). According to Wu
(2021) over the last decades ICTs in learning institutions has enhanced learning by greater
heights. ICTs provide opportunities to introduce technology-enhanced learning in both pre-
schools and higher learning institutions. In most of the prior research carried out on the
impact of technology in education, researchers have pointed out that technology-enhanced
learning has facilitated knowledge and skill acquisition. This helps in time and cost saving
and extending courses of choice to students of different backgrounds, cultures and
perspectives. E-learning has become popular amongst educationists because of its
strengths and advantages provide the better access to educational resources from outside
the institution on a global and instant basis According to Sachs et al (2020) technologies
such as teleconferencing allow students and instructors to interact simultaneously,
efficiently, and conveniently. ICTs can contribute immensely towards provision of quality
education, for instance increased and flexible interaction with student through e-mail and
discussion forums.

SDG 5 Gender Equality

Additionally, ICTs have enhanced equality in access to education between men and women.
Bogdan-Martin (2017) underscore that women and girls face barriers to digital inclusion that
reflect the gender inequality in the physical world in access to education, careers, and
opportunities, hence technology can be an enabler of inclusion. In addition, in developing
countries especially in Africa, most women are in the informal sector (Oxfam, 2020)
Therefore ICTs offer access to market information, online banking services among several
opportunities for business. By increasing access to information and knowledge, ICT helps
reduce inequality between people in segregated rural and urban areas. Additionally equal
access to information can facilitate social and economic progress, even to disadvantaged
segments of society, such as persons with disabilities, women and the youth. According to
Tjoa and Tjoa (2016) barriers to access to information are being eradicated through
educative online platforms like online journal, google scholar and google books. In terms of
health access recent trends range from new technologies and business models to mobile
Telemedicine has the potential to reduce inequalities in access to modern medicine and
medical practitioners in many parts of the world, particularly in remote communities
(Bradford et al., 2016).

SDG9 Sustainable cities and communities

Sharma and Sinha (2010) underscore that urbanization is an inevitable progression

worldwide as well as in African cities with populations growing at a faster rate than their
cities can support. With increasing urbanization and awareness of sustainability issues, ICTs
can revitalize existing cities into smart and sustainable cities. According to the ITU (2014) a
smart sustainable city is an innovative city that uses ICTs and other means to improve
quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services, while ensuring that it meets the
needs of present and future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental
aspects”. City investments that include a large ICT (information and communications
technology) component can enable the designing of smarter cities that offer a better quality
of life for their residents while being more sustainable and cost efficient. ICT is essential in
offering innovative approaches to managing cities more effectively and holistically, with ICT
basic infrastructure and applications such as smart buildings, smart water management,
intelligent transport systems, and new efficiencies in energy consumption, resource waste
management International Telecommunication Union (2018). Therefore, technology
solutions not only make urban service delivery economically viable, but also ensure
environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness.

Challenges towards adopting digital technologies for SDGs implementation

With particular reference to SDGs, numerous challenges are faced during digitalization in the
public sector, mainly, because it is not easy to recognize the relationship between SDGs and
digitalization from the onset (Sachs 2016; Huawei 2017). The disconnect between ICT
domain knowledge and skills among policymakers constrain implementation (Sachs et
al. 2016).Onyango (2019) adds that low-income countries, chief obstacles are insufficient
human resources capacity who can be able to affect their tasks using ICTs. Sachs (2016)
state that inadequate ICT infrastructure, and digital resources for policymakers and
administrators in the public sector, usually hinder the effectiveness of implementing the
digitalization of SDGs. The adoption and appreciation of related digital components are still a
major challenge influencing the implementation and acceleration of SDGs in public
administration of developing and transitioning societies (Muro et al. 2017). Janowski (2015)
underscores that digital Government should play a key role in implementing SDGs, but the
gap between aspirations (SDGs) and capacity (Digital Government) is affecting the majority
of the UN Member States.

The adoption and appreciation of related digital components are still a major challenge
influencing the implementation and acceleration of SDGs in public administration of
developing and transitioning societies (Muro et al. 2017). Janowski (2015) underscores that
digital Government should play a key role in implementing SDGs, but the gap between
aspirations (SDGs) and capacity (digital government) is affecting the majority of the UN
Member States. Digital government efforts in the region are still perceived as technical
support activities and not as a core strategic component of public sector activities (OECD,
2017). The alternative would be that e-government should be value-driven instead of
technology-driven. The duality of technological effect demands holistic visions of ICT
initiatives. For example, “to funnel large sums of investment into ICT initiatives without
complementary investments in building adequate education infrastructures would be a
recipe for the failure of development and could further frustrate millions of people in the
developing world” (Ngwenyama et al., 2006).

Moreso, Bogdan –Martin (2019) underscore that achieving a basic level of literacy and
numeracy universally was an objective of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The
SDGs move to broader goals in educational attainment, skills, and equal opportunities. The
Digital Revolution within contemporary and future society means that (evolving) digital
literacy and access to digital technologies are essential. As digital technologies become ever
more embedded in everyday life – and increasingly taken for granted by those with relevant
technologies, skills and understanding so the exclusion of the digitally illiterate deepens.
Such exclusion is a major policy concern in all countries. Lack of access to digital
infrastructure and services compounds the negative impacts of the digital divide, potentially
opening up a digital consumption divide. Fixed-broadband penetration in Least Developed
Countries (LDCs) remains negligible and major differences in terms of the quality and speed
of Internet access must be addressed to fully benefit from the potential of ICT for
development (ITU, 2018).

Poor planning in integrating SDGs and digital technologies is major challenge for African
countries. Integrating high-tech information systems with complex governmental structures is
a merger that many governments have yet to fully achieve. The adoption and appreciation of
related digital components are still a major challenge influencing the implementation and
acceleration of SDGs in public administration of developing and transitioning societies (Muro
et al. 2017). The existence of unclear roadmap and framework on the integration of the
strategies for implementing SDGs by most governments has resulted in critical deficits that
hinder the achievement of the SDG targets in government institutions (SDGs Compass
2015). To Jones et al. (2017), digitalization is faced by several constraints that the
government should primarily get involved to resolve to digitalize and align SDGs targets.
Henceforth with adequate planning and leadership appropriate resource management must
be incorporated in the design of digital strategies, including allocation funds, digital literacy
and infrastructure (Lonn and Uppstrom 2016). Digital government efforts in the region are
still perceived as technical support activities and not as a core strategic component of public
sector activities (OECD, 2017). The alternative would be that e-government should be value-
driven instead of technology-driven. The duality of technological effect demands holistic
visions of ICT initiatives.

Recommendations
Government need to ensure availability and access to digital technology across the citizenry.
It is essential to ensure that the overarching objective of poverty eradication and “Leaving No
One Behind”, a key principle of the 2030 Agenda, are at the core of efforts to mobilize ICT to
realize the transformation the 2030 Agenda demands. However, the greatest rise of
digitalization in history will not truly revolutionary until it benefits everyone in every part of the
world (World Development Report: WDR, 2016). It may contribute to the fulfilment of the
2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (Glass & Newig,
2019). In that regard, information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support
governance strategies remains an important driving force for realizing this transition,
particularly in the context of international market pressures and global competition

According to Kostoska and Kocarev (2019) achieving the SDGs, calls for multi-sectoral
partnerships, and governments, academic institutions, to work together and prepare
themselves for this ICT-empowered transformation to a Networked Society. While private-
sector applications of ICT have ascended, many of the challenges of sustainable
development like health (education, health, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
This, in turn, places the focus on institutions, which are critical for the success or failure of
development. Governments are responsible for making sure that public-sector organizations,
institutions and regulatory frameworks have changed enough to support the ICT-empowered
transformation. The quality of service delivery will be determined by the extent which
government adopt innovative solutions towards service delivery. To support ICT and digital
government implementation, there is need for a supportive environment for SDGs
implementation. Contributing to the development of an environment that is sufficiently
conducive to innovation, where advances in new technologies and strategic partnerships
become a key driver for the 2030 Agenda. This will involve strengthening regulations and
policies so that there is competition among businesses, adapting workers’ skills to the
demands of the new economy, and ensuring that institutions are accountable. Examples
include access to and quality of educational opportunities, investment in the new roles and
skill sets of teachers.

Conclusion
The paper has established that the digital revolution provides an opportunity for
transformation of public administration towards sustainable development. therefore, African
government can tap on the opportunities provided by the digital revolution in spearheading
implementation of SDGs. Henceforth, for the Digital Revolution to play a positive role in
deliberately and constructively supporting the sustainable development agenda. Digital
innovation can promote quality education, address poverty and food security among other
SDGs discussed in this paper. Nonetheless, it must be recognized that ICT offer only an
opportunity and is not a panacea. The paper provides that digital governance need operate
within the preconditions and aims of prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability,
and inclusive governance. This is because the study established several challenges in
integrating ICTs with SDGs implementation which included policy misalignment, digital
literacy challenges and unequipped institutional structures to drive digitisation efforts. Hence.
African states need to adopt and implement effective strategies for seamless integration of
ICTs and SDGs for effective SDGs implementation.
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