Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores seven developing countries' use of technology to begin reforming the economy and government. Foregrounding the voices of policymakers and participants, it documents and critically assesses government efforts to kick-start digital transformation, and offers an exposition of the process of policymaking in the 2020s.
Trade ReviewA great read for any political leader or bureaucrat looking to transform their government's digital economy. It is useful to understand what it really takes to support emerging countries who want to establish a digital public infrastructure. * Nandan Nilekani, Chairman and Co-Founder, Infosys and Founding Chairman, UIDAI *
Benno saw the huge potential of the digital economy for Africa and devoted the last years of his life tirelessly working to get countries to adopt it. Many countries have begun taking up the technology but fail to adopt a whole of systems approach. Benno would I think have wanted fellow policy makers to learn from the lessons of some of the earlier adopters and what they got right - and wrong. * Vera Songwe, Senior Non-Resident Fellow, Brookings Institution and former Executive Secretary UN Economic Commission for Africa *
An absolute gem for policymakers who want to turn their digital transformation aspirations into reality. The writing is refreshingly clear and devoid of jargon, making it a breeze to follow. The authors offer invaluable practical insights based on the experiences of a group of countries that have successfully navigated this complex journey. And what's more, this book doesn't shy away from the pitfalls and challenges you may encounter along the way. It's an honest, straight-talking guide that will leave you feeling inspired and confident to take action. * Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Chair, Global Digital Inclusion Partnership and Chief Digital Advisor, Centres for Disease Control Africa *
This book is timely as it deals with such an important topic for my country and for many others in sub Saharan Africa and beyond. The book shows that the continent has an opportunity to fully benefit from greater digital transformation reforms, further than payment systems. Throughout, the book pays particular attention to context and respecting inclusion of multi-stakeholders in the process. Driving Digital Transformation tells us how to do this, not through giving instructions, but instead by sharing the lessons learned from other policymakers. * Blandina Kilama, Economic advisor to President Suluhu, Republic of Tanzania *
Where clear measures of digital success and failure are sometimes lacking, the authors offer a full treatment of diagnosing and evaluating digital readiness. The rigorous focus on the nuances of implementation, especially in the book's Digital Economy Kit and strategy primer, make this critical reading for both scholars and practitioners! * Aaron Maniam, Deputy Secretary (Industry & International), Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface: Remembering Benno Ndulu Abbreviations and acronyms 1: Introduction to the Digital Economy Kit 2: Seizing opportunity for digital reform 3: Objectives: What is the Digital Economy Kit trying to do? 4: Assessment: Data and diagnostics 5: Multi-stakeholder dialogue 6: Strategy primer 7: A critical view on implementation 8: Conclusion References Index
