The technological revolution provides countries with unique opportunities to reinvent themselves and overcome the “developing country” status. We are living in an era of technological revolution that is disrupting and transforming business, government and society alike. The time has come for governments to become champions of digital transformation and lead by example. The sooner governments embark on a digital transformation, the more capable individuals. Digital needs to be embedded into our economy DNA.

Here is how the public sector could improve with digital transformation:

• Government inefficiency and poor service delivery.A redesign of archaic governance and service delivery models should become the default modus operandi in government. “Digital by default” will help to cut red tape, generate efficiency and provide higher-quality services.

• Corruption is a major obstacle to economic development. A study by Suffolk University found that as the use of information and communication technology by governments increases so corruption decreases (a 1% increase in the e-Government Index may result in a 1.17% decrease in corruption, according to the study). Meanwhile, it is developing countries that benefit the most. Good governance powers innovation.

• Increasing the digital skills gap. By 2020 more than 90% of jobs in the European Union will require digital skills. Governments averse to technology and innovation risk being late in responding to this challenge. By keeping their education policies and systems unchanged, governments risk continuing to produce irrelevant skills for their economy. To break the status quo, governments have to approach “talentism” differently and invest in digital capabilities and skills that can make their economies innovate and grow.

• Getting ready for digital. “The digital economy is simply becoming The economy,”  Forward-thinking governments need to act as “digital brokers”, investing in digital compatibility for their people and businesses, providing incentives and supporting them as they strive to compete and integrate into the economy.

How can countries master the digital transformation process?

Fortunately, effective practices are emerging in forerunner countries for transforming government, services, communities, cities, and businesses. The most effective approaches include:

• Taking a holistic view of ICT and complementary investments;
• Mobilizing demand for good governance and better services,
• Promoting public-private partnerships, among others.
• Promoting an inclusive information society would emphasize digital literacy, local content, social intermediaries, and grassroots innovation.
• Developing smart cities calls for adopting an ecosystem approach that nurtures shared visions, engages all stakeholders, and builds platforms and communities for innovation.
• Policy measures for business transformation would include affordable access to Internet and digital technologies; mobile finance;
• Digitally-enabled government to business transactions; platforms to facilitate trade and e-commerce; and Internet-based training and business services.

Mastering the digital transformation process demands solid managerial and technical skills, leadership institutions, policies and regulations for a digital economy, and a competitive communication infrastructure and ICT industry. It calls for strategies to strengthen educational institutions and reposition them for a digital economy.

Digital technologies therefore offer the chance for an economy be more competitive and efficient. If you want to know about the power of digital transformation, Anglo African team can help you, do contact Jessen on 2331636 or via e-mail at  jessen.valaythen@infosystems.mu