The role of e-government has moved from a promising concept to an essential driver of public service transformation. The 2024 UN E-Government Survey offers a powerful overview for digital governance adoption as a necessary tool for advancing sustainable development, particularly in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report underscored how digital government strategies can enhance service delivery, improve transparency, and promote inclusivity, though it also highlights persistent disparities.
This offers both a sobering reflection on the global digital divide and an optimistic roadmap for progress. In the next decade, as we race toward 2030, it is imperative that global leaders prioritize digital governance as a tool not just for development but for justice, equity, and inclusion. If the steps outlined in the survey are followed, nations can not only meet their SDG targets but also transform how governments serve their citizens in a rapidly digital world.
While some nations are trailblazing the way forward, others are falling behind. With compelling data and a clear call to action, this article explores both the successes and challenges of global digital governance, placing a special focus on developing countries.
5 Key Takeaways
- E-Government as a Tool for Sustainable Development: Digital governance is critical for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report highlights that e-government strategies can improve service delivery, transparency, and inclusivity, but there are significant global disparities in digital adoption.
- Leading Nations in E-Government: Denmark, Finland, and Singapore are top performers in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index. These nations have leveraged digital technologies like AI and open data to enhance public services, improve citizen engagement, and drive innovation.
- The Digital Divide: Despite progress in some countries, large disparities exist, particularly in regions like Africa and Oceania, where inadequate infrastructure, low internet penetration, and insufficient government investment hinder e-government development.
- AI Integration in Governance: Countries like South Korea and Singapore are utilizing AI to improve public service delivery in areas like healthcare and urban planning. However, developing nations face challenges in adopting AI due to insufficient infrastructure and expertise, which could exacerbate existing inequalities.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: The report emphasizes that closing the digital gap requires international collaboration, investment in digital infrastructure, and a focus on digital literacy. Without these measures, many countries may struggle to meet their SDG targets by 2030.
UN E-Government Survey 2024: Leading the Charge in E-Government
Several countries have emerged as global frontrunners in e-government development, using latest digital technologies to transform public services and improve citizen engagement. According to the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), Denmark, Finland, and Singapore hold the top three positions globally, with respective EGDI scores of 0.9847, 0.9727, and 0.9691.
These nations have successfully integrated digital governance into their public services, creating seamless, accessible platforms that cater to the diverse needs of their populations. The success of these countries stems from their consistent focus on innovation, collaboration between government and the private sector, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and open data systems.
Denmark: Leading with Digital Welfare Services
Denmark has consistently ranked at the top of global e-government indices due to its emphasis on digital welfare services. The country has been at the forefront of providing its citizens with user-friendly, efficient online public services. Denmark’s “NemID” digital identification system, which allows citizens to securely access a wide range of government services online, is a prime example of its forward-thinking approach. From tax declarations to healthcare services, Danish citizens can access vital services through a single digital platform, ensuring ease of use and greater accessibility. The government’s focus on digitizing welfare services has reduced administrative costs while simultaneously improving the quality of service delivery.
Moreover, Denmark has made significant strides in creating a data-driven public sector. The country has committed to enhancing data sharing between government agencies to make public services connected and effective, while improving decision-making processes. This approach, coupled with strong cybersecurity measures, has allowed Denmark to build a resilient digital governance framework that prioritizes both efficiency and citizen trust.
Finland: Pioneering Open Data for Transparency and Innovation
Finland’s commitment to open data has played a central role in its position as a global leader in digital governance. With an EGDI score of 0.9575, Finland has established itself as a pioneer in making government data available to the public, promoting transparency, innovation, and civic engagement. The Finnish government has adopted policies that encourage the sharing of data across public and private sectors, fueling innovation in areas such as health, education, and urban planning. By promoting the use of open data, Finland has empowered citizens, researchers, and businesses to collaborate on developing data-driven solutions to societal issues.
Additionally, Finland’s government has implemented digital initiatives aimed at simplifying bureaucratic processes. The “Suomi.fi” portal, for example, serves as a one-stop digital hub for citizens to access various public services. Whether applying for social benefits or renewing driving licenses, the portal allows citizens to complete these tasks online, minimizing the need for in-person interactions and ensuring faster service delivery. Finland’s approach demonstrates how digital governance, when built on transparency and user-centricity, can foster both efficiency and public trust.
South Korea: The Integration of AI in Public Services
South Korea has long been recognized for its forward-thinking approach to technology and e-governance. Ranked third globally with an EGDI score of 0.9679, South Korea has successfully integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its public administration. The South Korean government has deployed AI-driven solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, traffic management, and disaster response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, South Korea utilized AI to track and trace potential infections, helping to contain the spread of the virus while ensuring minimal disruption to public services.
The South Korean government’s use of AI also extends to urban planning and smart city initiatives. In cities like Seoul, AI algorithms are used to manage traffic flow, monitor air quality, and optimize energy usage, creating more sustainable and livable environments for residents. Additionally, the country has focused on building a robust digital identity infrastructure, enabling citizens to securely access a wide array of services online, from filing taxes to renewing identification documents. By integrating AI into everyday governance, South Korea has not only improved public service delivery but also created a model for how emerging technologies can drive smarter, more efficient government operations.
Estonia: A Global Model for Digital Transformation
Estonia stands out as a global leader in digital governance, having created one of the world’s most advanced e-governments. Nearly 99% of Estonia’s public services are available online, with services such as e-Residency, digital ID, and online voting positioning the country as a trailblazer in digital transformation. Estonia’s digital ID system allows citizens to securely access government services, sign contracts, and even vote from anywhere in the world. This innovation has not only streamlined public services but has also significantly boosted Estonia’s global business environment.
The Estonian government has also championed blockchain technology for securing public data. By implementing blockchain in its government systems, Estonia assures the security and transparency of public services, further strengthening citizen trust. Estonia’s focus on digital inclusion guarantees that even rural areas benefit from the country’s high level of digitalization, making it a model for other nations aiming to adopt digital governance.
Singapore: A Smart Nation Initiative
Singapore, ranked among the top e-government performers globally, continues to push forward with its Smart Nation initiative, which aims to transform the city-state into a fully digital society. Singapore’s government has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, including nationwide high-speed internet, digital payment systems, and AI-driven public services. The “SingPass” system, for instance, allows citizens to access over 1,000 government and private-sector services with a single digital identity. This system not only simplifies access to services but also strengthens data security through biometric authentication.
The Singaporean government has also invested in AI and machine learning to improve public services. AI is used in areas like healthcare to predict patient needs and provide personalized medical care. In addition, Singapore has embraced 5G technology to support its vision of a fully connected, intelligent city. Smart traffic systems, real-time data sharing, and predictive maintenance of public infrastructure are just some of the ways Singapore leverages technology to enhance its governance capabilities.
New Zealand: Enhancing Digital Accessibility and Inclusion
New Zealand, another high-ranking country in e-government – 0.9265, has made significant progress in improving digital accessibility for all citizens. The country’s government emphasizes a citizen-centric approach to digital services, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of age or ability, have access to online services. Initiatives such as the RealMe system provide secure online identification, enabling citizens to interact with various government services without the need for physical visits.
New Zealand has also focused on improving digital inclusion for rural and underserved communities. By investing in nationwide high-speed broadband infrastructure, the government has ensured that even remote areas can benefit from digital services. New Zealand’s inclusive approach demonstrates the potential of e-government to foster greater social equality through technology.
Latin America’s Standout Performers: Uruguay and Argentina
In the Americas, Uruguay and Argentina are recognized for their leadership in e-government. Uruguay, with an EGDI score of 0.9006, is the highest-ranking Latin American country and a model for how robust digital infrastructure can enhance public service delivery. The government’s AGESIC (Agency for Electronic Government and Information Society) has driven significant digital reforms, enabling citizens to access healthcare, education, and social welfare services online.
Similarly, Argentina has made impressive strides, with an EGDI score of 0.8573, by implementing comprehensive digital strategies to promote transparency and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. The country’s “Mi Argentina” platform provides a unified digital space where citizens can access government services, personal documents, and even receive notifications about important public updates. These initiatives demonstrate how Latin American countries are leveraging technology to improve governance and citizen satisfaction.
UN E-Government Survey 2024: Countries Struggling with Digital Governance
On the other end of the spectrum, the 2024 report paints a sobering picture of the countries struggling to keep up with digital advancements. While several countries have embraced digital governance as a key tool for public service delivery, others remain significantly behind, struggling with the very basics of digital infrastructure and connectivity. The 2024 UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) provides a stark reminder of the nations that are lagging in the global race toward digital transformation.
With average EGDI scores of 0.4247 in Africa and 0.5289 in Oceania, compared to a global average of 0.6382, these regions are grappling with numerous barriers such as insufficient infrastructure, low internet penetration, inadequate government investment, and widespread digital illiteracy. The digital divide in these regions not only slows economic growth but also deepens societal inequalities, leaving entire populations excluded from the benefits of e-government.
Africa: The Challenges of Low Infrastructure and Connectivity
In Africa, many countries face severe difficulties in establishing a functional e-government system due to weak infrastructure, poor internet access, and lack of investment in digital services. Among the lowest-ranked countries globally are Chad, Niger, and Burundi, with EGDI scores of 0.1785, 0.2116, and 0.2480, respectively. These nations are significantly below the global average, and their challenges are compounded by factors such as extreme poverty, political instability, geographical isolation and lack of identification.
Chad (EGDI score: 0.1785) has one of the lowest levels of internet penetration in the world, with less than 12% of its population having access to the internet. The country’s rural areas are particularly underserved, with minimal access to electricity and basic infrastructure, let alone broadband services. Without significant investments in both physical and digital infrastructure, Chad’s potential for e-government remains extremely limited.
Niger (EGDI score: 0.2116) faces similar challenges, with only 15.8% of its population connected to the internet. The government has been slow to develop national digital strategies, and efforts to improve internet access have been hampered by the high costs associated with expanding broadband networks in such a geographically vast and largely rural country. Furthermore, digital literacy rates remain critically low, particularly among women and rural populations, which further exacerbates the divide.
Burundi (EGDI score: 0.2480), one of the poorest nations globally, has been grappling with political unrest, which has stunted its development across various sectors, including digital infrastructure. The country has an internet penetration rate of just 13%, and the majority of its population lacks the skills needed to engage with digital services even when available. A lack of coherent national policies around digital governance and weak cybersecurity frameworks has further hindered the country’s progress.
Sharp Contrast to the Global Push
Across Africa, the situation is dire for many countries, where the digital divide remains entrenched. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, with more than 60% of the countries falling into the “low” or “middle” e-government development categories. This stands in sharp contrast to the global push toward e-government as a tool for promoting inclusivity and economic growth. Without considerable international support and internal reforms to prioritize digital literacy and infrastructure investment, many African countries risk being left even further behind.
Oceania: Geographic Isolation and Limited Resources
The digital challenges facing Oceania reflect a region deeply divided between advanced digital nations and smaller, resource-poor island states. Countries such as Australia (EGDI score: 0.9577) and New Zealand (0.9265) lead the region in e-government development, but smaller nations like Vanuatu and Tuvalu remain at the other end of the spectrum. Vanuatu, with an EGDI score of 0.5427, and Tuvalu, at 0.4042, highlight the severe issues that small island states face in their attempts to catch up to the rest of the world in digital governance.
Vanuatu has made particularly impressive strides, graduating from least developed countries (LDC) status in 2020 and moving from the middle to the high EGDI group in 2024. Eight of the region’s fourteen countries fall into the middle EGDI category, reflecting steady growth in digital integration despite various challenges. Excluding Australia and New Zealand, the region’s countries have an average EGDI value of 0.4600 – less than half the EGDI values of the regional frontrunners and substantially lower than the global average of 0.6344. These 12 countries are all small island developing states (SIDS), and three of them (Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu) are also LDCs.
Major Regional Issues
Geographic isolation, compounded by limited infrastructure and frequent natural disasters, has restricted the country’s ability to build a robust digital infrastructure. Internet penetration stands at just 35%, and the cost of digital access remains prohibitively high for much of the population. Moreover, limited government resources have meant that investments in digital services, when they happen, are often inadequate and short-term, lacking the sustained support needed for lasting progress.
Even though these small island nations have attempted to make progress in digital governance, they face significant resource constraints. The high costs associated with undersea cable connections, the reliance on external aid for digital infrastructure projects, and their vulnerability to climate change make sustained digital development an uphill battle.
UN E-Government Survey 2024: The Struggle of Fragile and Conflict-Affected States
Beyond Africa and Oceania, other countries around the world are also struggling to implement digital governance due to fragile state conditions and ongoing conflicts. Countries like Yemen (EGDI score: 0.2317) and Syria (0.3888) have seen their e-government capabilities devastated by years of war and civil unrest.
Yemen (EGDI score: 0.2317) has experienced one of the most significant declines in e-government capacity due to the country’s ongoing conflict. Infrastructure in major cities has been decimated, leaving much of the country without electricity or basic internet services. With less than 26% of the population having access to the internet, the Yemeni government has been unable to deliver essential public services through digital means.
Syria (EGDI score: 0.3888), similarly, faces monumental challenges in restoring its digital infrastructure after years of war. The destruction of much of the country’s technological infrastructure has shifted the focus to rebuilding basic services rather than advancing digital governance. However, even in the most secure parts of the country, internet access is sporadic and expensive, limiting both government capacity and citizen engagement with digital services.
The Impact of Low Investment in Digital Literacy and Skills
A critical factor contributing to the slow progress in many of these underperforming nations is the lack of investment in digital literacy. In regions where basic education levels are low, teaching the population to use digital platforms is often a monumental task. Countries like Guinea (EGDI score: 0.4006) and South Sudan (0.1191) have some of the lowest literacy rates in the world, and without targeted education programs, their populations remain unable to engage meaningfully with e-government services.
In Guinea, for example, over 65% of the population is illiterate, meaning that even if digital services are available, a significant portion of the population cannot access or use them effectively. This problem is made worse by low internet penetration rates, with only 18% of the population online. Similarly, in South Sudan, ongoing conflicts and economic instability have left the country with little ability to invest in digital services, and with only 8% of the population having internet access, there is limited demand for digital governance solutions.
UN E-Government Survey 2024: Bridging the Divide
The 2024 UN E-Government Survey brings to light the pressing need for greater investment in developing countries. Many regions—particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America—face critical challenges in catching up with global e-government trends. For instance, while Mauritius (EGDI score: 0.7506) and South Africa (0.8616) have demonstrated progress in Sub-Saharan Africa, many countries in the region remain far behind, where over 60% of countries fall into the “low” or “middle” e-government development categories.
India, with an EGDI score of 0.6678, has shown notable progress, particularly in the implementation of its Aadhaar biometric identification system, which facilitates government service access for over 1.3 billion people. Still, the country faces internal challenges with regional disparities. Neighboring countries such as Bangladesh (0.6570) and Nepal (0.5781) struggle with limited access to high-speed internet, compounded by economic and infrastructure constraints.
In Latin America, countries like Uruguay (0.9006) and Chile (0.8827) lead the way, but nations such as Honduras (0.4856) and Haiti (0.2116) face significant hurdles in the development of their e-government services. Haiti, in particular, has been set back by political instability and natural disasters, which have prevented long-term investment in digital infrastructure.
The survey reveals that approximately 1.73 billion people worldwide are still on the wrong side of the digital divide. In developing regions, where roughly 45% of the population lacks regular internet access, the digital divide remains a significant roadblock to meeting the SDGs. Without targeted intervention, many of these countries will fall far short of their 2030 goals.
UN E-Government Survey 2024: The Next Frontier of E-Government
While countries like Singapore and South Korea are reaping the benefits of AI in governance, the story is very different for nations with less developed digital infrastructure. The UN E-Government Survey 2024 warns of an AI divide that could make the existing digital gap between developed and developing countries more severe. The survey reveals that only 15% of Sub-Saharan African countries have implemented national AI strategies, compared to nearly 80% of European nations. This disparity highlights a growing global imbalance in the ability to harness AI for public good.
For many developing nations, the barriers to AI adoption are steep. In countries like Burkina Faso and Malawi, where internet penetration rates hover around 20%, the basic infrastructure needed to support AI systems is lacking. Without reliable internet access, stable electricity, or the necessary digital devices, implementing AI solutions becomes nearly impossible. Even in countries where infrastructure is improving, there is often a lack of human capital—trained professionals who can design, develop, and manage AI systems.
The cost of AI technology itself also presents a significant obstacle. High-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, and AI software are expensive, and many low-income nations cannot afford the upfront investments required. In addition, the operational costs of maintaining AI systems—such as data storage, electricity, and skilled personnel—are prohibitive for many governments. As a result, even though AI holds the potential to dramatically improve governance in these countries, the barriers to entry remain high.
The AI Knowledge Gap: Lack of Expertise and Capacity Building
Another major challenge facing developing countries is the AI knowledge gap. While AI expertise is growing rapidly in Europe, North America, and East Asia, much of the developing world lacks the educational and research infrastructure needed to cultivate AI talent. Countries in Latin America, Africa, and parts of South Asia face critical shortages of engineers, data scientists, and policy experts who understand the complex nature of AI and how it can be integrated into public systems.
For example, in Nigeria, although the country has made steps in building its tech sector, only a handful of universities offer courses or degrees in AI and machine learning. This lack of educational infrastructure severely limits the country’s ability to develop a workforce capable of implementing AI in government. Similarly, in Bangladesh, the government has expressed interest in AI-driven solutions, but without the necessary talent pool, these ambitions are difficult to realize.
The UN E-Government Survey 2024 also highlights the need for capacity-building programs to equip public officials with the skills to manage AI technologies effectively. In developing countries, government officials often lack the technical knowledge to oversee AI projects, leading to inefficient implementation or outright failure. To address this, international organizations and developed nations must prioritize technology transfer and training initiatives that can help close the AI knowledge gap. These initiatives would allow developing countries to not only adopt AI but also shape it to address their unique governance challenges.
AI in Public Governance: Opportunities for Developing Nations
Despite the challenges, AI presents significant opportunities for developing nations—if they can overcome the initial barriers to entry. In India, for example, AI is being used to improve agriculture and healthcare. The Indian government’s “AI for All” initiative aims to democratize AI by developing affordable and accessible AI solutions tailored to the needs of the country’s diverse population. In agriculture, AI provides farmers with real-time data on weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop diseases, which improves yields and reduces losses. AI systems in healthcare are being deployed to diagnose diseases more accurately and at a lower cost, helping to extend care to underserved populations.
In Rwanda, the government has partnered with international organizations to use AI in public health and education. AI is being used to monitor health trends and improve the distribution of medical supplies, particularly in remote areas. In education, AI-driven tools are helping students learn in more personalized and effective ways, particularly in regions where teacher shortages are a problem. Rwanda’s example shows that with the right partnerships and investment, even resource-poor nations can benefit from AI technologies.
UN E-Government Survey 2024: Bridging the Digital Gap
The UN E-Government Survey 2024 emphasizes that addressing the digital divide and achieving the SDGs by 2030 requires more than just technology—it demands political will, cross-border collaboration, and strategic investment. The following steps are critical for bridging the digital gap:
International Collaboration: Developed nations, international organizations, and tech giants must play a key role in bridging the digital divide. Partnerships that focus on technology transfer, funding, and capacity building will be essential to ensuring that developing nations can adopt digital solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Expand Digital Infrastructure: Governments, particularly in developing regions, must prioritize broadband infrastructure. The report suggests that ensuring affordable high-speed internet access is the first step toward building a connected society. The expansion of mobile broadband in areas with low fixed-line access, particularly in Africa, could significantly boost EGDI scores.
Boost Digital Literacy and Skills Development: Closing the gap between high-ranking and lagging countries requires more than just hardware; it also depends on human capital. Governments must invest in educational initiatives that promote digital skills, ensuring that citizens not only access services but can engage with and benefit from them. In countries like India and Brazil, targeted digital literacy campaigns have proven effective in bridging local divides.
Strengthen Local E-Government: As noted in the Local Online Service Index (LOSI), national digital strategies are often more advanced than local initiatives. Cities and municipalities should receive more funding and technical expertise to address this imbalance. Local government digitalization will improve the accessibility and efficiency of essential services like healthcare, education, and public transportation.
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