Title: E-Readiness Assessment of Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: C. Okoronkwo Matthew and N. Agu Monica
Pages: 10 pp.
ISSN: 1819-334x
Source: Asian Journal of Information Management, Volume 4(1), 2010
Publisher: Science Alert
Date (published): 17/03/2010
Date (accessed): 28/04/2010
Type of information: peer-reviewed article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML and pdf)
Abstract:
This study looks at the e-readiness of Enugu State (ES), Nigeria as the government is making efforts to digitalize government administration processes to provide the citizens access to governance information through the establishment of portal which test run was just completed. The study provides assessment guide; a mirror which governments, should use to determine the direction and milestones. It provides the e-readiness measuring instruments and showcases the outcome of application of the assessment methodology through a study carried out in the State. The main objective was to raise the awareness of stakeholders on the key issues in e-governance implementation to ensure rich content, sustainable service management and efficient use of ICT in support of current efforts in institutional, economic and administrative reform programmes.

Title: Assessing the Potential for Mobile Payments in Africa: Approaches and Evidence from Uganda
Author: Richard Duncombe
Pages: 30 pp.
ISBN: 978-1-905469-09-3
Source: Development Informatics Working Paper Series, Paper No. 41
Publisher: Centre for Development Informatics, Institute for Development Policy and Management, SED
Date (published): 30/07/2009
Date (accessed): 05/10/2009
Type of information: research paper
Language: English
On-line access: yes (HTML and pdf and zipped MS Word)
Abstract:
This paper provides an evaluative framework that assesses the potential for mobile device-based payments (m-payments) in Africa. The framework is developed according to an analysis of the financial services environment and the drivers and constraints for change within a specific country context – Uganda. The paper draws upon secondary data from published surveys, as well as field research conducted by the author.

The framework distinguishes between formal, informal and un-served market segments and the findings suggest that the potential for m-payments is differentiated according to existing levels of financial sector participation. Clients of formal or semi-formal sector institutions are likely to be the early beneficiaries of new m-payment services delivered by existing providers. Informal sector participants may provide greater potential for extending access given their greater financial resources and literacy, but will require more tailored solutions. Relatively little is known about the financial practices and behaviours, and the extent of mobile use, amongst the financially un-served. Reaching the unbanked majority with m-payment services will involve greater ingenuity and innovation on behalf of service providers.

Overall, the analysis suggests limits to market-based solutions for mobile and financial service delivery, highlighting constraints to change that are conditioned by non-market factors related to financial and technical literacy and the need for new organisational solutions making use of appropriate community-based intermediaries.

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