Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in its digital government efforts, as revealed in the newly released 2024 edition of the United Nations E-Government Survey. The survey, conducted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) through its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG), reflects Ethiopia's upward movement in global digital rankings among UN member states.
The 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), unveiled on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, showcases the digital transformation efforts of countries across the globe. This biennial index evaluates advancements in the digital landscape by comparing nations’ progress over two years, measuring their ability to provide effective, accessible, and resilient e-government services.
Ethiopia’s progress is noteworthy, having risen 10 positions within the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) group, according to the latest data. This leap reflects the country’s concerted efforts in improving digital infrastructure, promoting citizen-centric e-services, and driving technology adoption to enhance governance efficiency.
The 2024 UN E-Government Survey, now in its 13th edition, presents a detailed evaluation of digital governance in 193 member states. This year’s survey highlights a positive global trend, with increasing investments in resilient infrastructure and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. The global E-Government Development Index continues to improve, with a sharp reduction in the percentage of populations lagging in digital government development, decreasing from 45% in 2022 to 22.4% in 2024.
However, while significant progress has been made worldwide, the report underscores that many African nations, including least developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), still fall below the global average. These findings call for targeted efforts to bridge digital divides, ensuring that no country is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
In addition to national e-government developments, the report assesses local-level progress through the Local Online Services Index (LOSI), which tracks digital services provided by city portals. The LOSI shows steady advancements but reveals disparities between national and municipal e-government performance. These gaps highlight the need for more focused initiatives to bolster local-level digital governance in Ethiopia and beyond.
A key innovation in this year’s survey is the introduction of the Digital Government Model Framework, designed to guide countries in the effective planning, implementation, and assessment of digital initiatives. Moreover, the survey explores the growing role of AI in digital governance, urging nations to harness its potential while addressing associated risks to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable government services.