The stimulus of factors in implementing the e-governance concept in Namibia

Abstract

This paper reports on a case study where the Namibian environment is used to gain deeper understanding of the factors that influence e-governance and how those factors manifest themselves. This study is motivated by the continuous challenges that are encountered by many African countries, either in the development or implementation or both, of the e-governance solution. The interpretivist approach was employed, and qualitative data were gathered using the semi-structured interview technique. Activity theory was used as a lens to guide the analysis of the data, from which six factors were found to influence the implementation of e-governance in the country. The factors are know-how; requirements of both technical and non-technical components; political-will, which draws on power to make decisions; heterogeneity; a repertoire of actors-power relationship; and governance, which includes standards, policies, and principles. The empiricism nature of the study boosts knowledgeability of the challenges that hinder implementation of the solution, which in-turn affect service delivery.