Botswana learns from Singapore e-govt
GOVERNMENT
By BiztechAfrica – Jan. 31, 2012, 1:23 p.m.
By John Churu, Gaborone, Botswana
The Botswana government says it is ready to join the global electronic community, in collaboration with e-government experts from Singapore.
During the first quarter of 2011, government officials from Botswana were engaged in learning Singapore’s e-Government structure, policies and strategies. This event marked the beginning of collaboration between Singapore’s e-Government Leadership Centre (eGL) at the Institute of Systems Science of the National University of Singapore (ISS-NUS) and the Directorate of Public Service Management of the Ministry of State President, Botswana.
The advancement of information and communications technologies (ICT) over the past years has transformed the way governments around the world operate. “Governments can use the enormous potential of ICT to increase their operational efficiency,” explains Joseph Teo, Centre Director of Singapore’s eGL. “ICT can also enhance government transparency and accountability, reaching under-served communities.”
This collaboration between eGL and Botswana’s Public Service Management aims to support the employment of ICT more widely and effectively by government of both countries.
According to the two countries, key to this collaboration is the establishment channels to share knowledge and expertise on e-Government education. “eGL will provide Botswana Public Service with resources and personnel to establish e-Government capacity-building programmes, and to equip Botswana Public Service College with technical knowledge on various ICT areas. The collaboration also encompasses the organisation of joint training programmes for public service members in Botswana and Singapore, and also to conduct exchange programmes to facilitate the generation of ideas among public service members,” said a statement from both parties.
In modern day Singapore, eGL plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s e-Government landscape. It provides professionals and leaders with e-Government education. By embarking on this collaboration with Botswana’s Public Service Management, eGL will enhance its global perspective in e-Government, it is believed.
Similarly, by acquiring the technical know-how, Botswana Public Service College will position itself to be a credible centre for e-Government training. The capacity-building programmes being implemented for Botswana Public Service ensures that Botswana will have a solid foundation to support its long term e-Government goals. “Botswana is ready to join the global electronic community and the partnership with eGL is a step in the right direction,” said Taboka Nkhwa, Head of Botswana delegation, during the training.
The relationship between Botswana and Singapore are premised on excellent relationships and mutual trust. Botswana continues to tap into the institutional expertise of Singapore and the MoU is indeed the right tool for sustaining the institutional twinning. “Botswana has made a significant commitment to e-government initiatives, and we are deeply honoured to be invited to participate in the continued economic development of the country,” expresses Joseph Teo. Likewise, Taboka Nkhwa looks forward to the official commencement of the collaboration, adding that “Botswana is excited about this opportunity and the MoU will propel Botswana in its quest to transform to a knowledge-based society.”
