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Top1. Introduction
Although there is no universal definition for E-governance, it is an application of IT that enables citizens to access government services and information electronically (Dhindsa et al., 2013). Linders et al. (2018) assert that e-governance efforts are a step in the right direction for reforms, as the use of electronic systems has scored high in improving service delivery. E-governance is very vital in developing countries, as highlighted by Beaumont (2017). He recommended that to have a huge economic and social development, developing countries needed to put more effort into the drafting of policies and procedures to promote this. However, Visser and Twunomurinzi (2009) argue that e-governance in developing countries has been associated with failure in most cases, although most governments continue to invest in ICT-based programmes, policies and interventions.
Furthermore, Giri and Shakya (2019) highlight that most developing countries find it difficult to achieve their e-governance goals despite taking pride in introducing such reforms. Interesting to note is the effort by governments of developing countries to implement e-governance strategies, yet political instability and other leadership issues hinder their success. In support, Nawafleh et al. (2012) pointed out that social, political, and economic downturn in developing countries has failed the successful implementation of e-governance. Although it is a developing country, Namibia has made strides in maintaining a moderate e-governance stance. Quite notable efforts have been noted, such as the improvement of the Home Affairs Operating System covering most of the borders surrounding Namibia, which was implemented when the ministry employed a turnaround strategy. However, Nengomasha and Uutoni (2015) maintained that Namibia still lagged in e-governance because of the low usage of ICTs and affordability.
A five-year e-government Strategic Action Plan was implemented by the government of Namibia for the sole purpose of transforming information and improving service delivery to the citizens, according to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), in 2013. This includes attempts to improve transparency of government’s activities. Also, other systems and services depend on e-governance, yet implementation has been a challenge. Nengomasha and Uutoni (2015) reported that even though the implementation of e-governance has so far taken 5 years, it is far from completion. Five year later, equaling 10 years, Yrika (2020) admits that the implementation of e-governance has not been successful, and that it would been most needed in unprecedented period caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, the studies conducted on e-governance mainly concentrated on the challenges and benefits of implementing the concept in different countries including developing countries. Beaumont (2017) and Dhindsa et al. (2013) reported on the challenges and benefits of e-governance, Linders et al. (2018) explored new trends in e-governance implementation centred on the citizens; Amukugo and Peters (2016) reported on the challenges faced by Namibia in implementing a Citizen-centric e-government, and Khan (2017) analyses the challenges of e-governance in public administration focusing on privacy and security. Other studies that dealt with e-governance include Giri and Shakya (2019); Thabit (2019); Radohikaashree (2018); Nielsen (2017); and Bhattacharya (2017).