The State of E-Government in Lebanon: Current Challenges and Opportunities

Introduction

The advancement of technology has significantly impacted e-government, defined as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to improve government services for citizens and businesses. E-government also enhances internal government operations. As societies digitize, many countries have prioritized e-government to gain benefits like increased efficiency and economic growth. However, Lebanon faces notable challenges in leveraging these benefits.

E-Government Initiatives in Lebanon

Lebanon has introduced several e-governance initiatives, including the national Digital Transformation Strategy and the Dawlati platform by the Ministry of State for Administrative Reform. Despite these efforts, Dawlati often suffers from availability issues and limited functionality, primarily serving as an informational tool (Fakhoury & Aubert, 2017). Private sector solutions, such as those from Liban Post, have stepped in to offer services like property tax payments and work permit renewals through public-private partnerships.

Successful E-Government Initiatives

The IMPACT Open Data platform by the Central Inspection Board is a notable example of a successful e-government initiative in Lebanon. It aims to improve transparency and accountability by providing government data and services, including those related to COVID-19. This platform highlights Lebanon’s potential for effective e-government services.

Comparative Analysis

Lebanon’s ICT index ranking is 64th out of 176 countries, indicating substantial ICT development. However, its e-government ranking is 127th, revealing a significant gap despite a strong ICT infrastructure. Countries like Azerbaijan and Moldova, with similar or slightly lower ICT rankings, have achieved higher e-government rankings due to successful e-governance strategies and strong political commitment.

Challenges to E-Government in Lebanon

Several factors contribute to Lebanon’s low e-government ranking:

• Lack of a Whole-of-Government Approach: Lebanon has not adopted a comprehensive e-government strategy, unlike Azerbaijan and Moldova.
• Political and Economic Instability: Political corruption and economic challenges hinder effective ICT integration into government operations (Fakhoury & Aubert, 2017).
• Limited ICT Usage: A 2012 survey showed that only 22.5% of central government employees in Lebanon regularly use the internet, compared to nearly 100% in Azerbaijan and Moldova (Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 2012).

Successful Practices in Other Countries

Azerbaijan and Moldova’s e-governance successes are partly due to their commitment to transparency and information sharing. Azerbaijan’s Open Data Portal and Moldova’s similar platform enhance citizen engagement and feedback, supporting anti-corruption efforts and improving public services.

Potential Solutions and Recommendations

To improve e-government in Lebanon, adopting a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach is crucial. Increasing political commitment and investment in ICT infrastructure, similar to successful models in Azerbaijan and Moldova, could enhance Lebanon’s e-government services. Additionally, leveraging private-public partnerships and fostering transparency can further bolster e-government efforts.

Future Outlook

Lebanon has the potential to advance its e-government services, supported by its ICT capabilities. Overcoming political, economic, and organizational challenges will be essential for unlocking the full benefits of e-government and improving the lives of Lebanese citizens.

SmartGov’s Approach

At SmartGov, we prioritize transparency and information sharing in e-government initiatives. Our bottom-up, interoperable, and participatory approach is tailored to Lebanon’s unique context, aiming to improve inclusiveness and effectiveness in state institutions. Our goal is to provide Lebanese citizens with digital access to government data, fostering better and more sustainable decision-making.

Citations

• Bertot, J. C., Jaeger, P. T., & Grimes, J. M. (2010). Using ICTs to create a culture of transparency: E-government and social media as openness and anti-corruption tools for societies. Government Information Quarterly. Link
• Fakhoury, R., & Aubert, B. (2017). Diffusion and Usage of Public E-Service Indicators and Drivers in Lebanon. ResearchGate. Link
• Partnership On Measuring ICT For Development. (n.d.). FINAL WSIS TARGETS REVIEW – UNESCO. Link
• Presidency of the Council of Ministers. (2012). ICT Indicators for Lebanon. Link
• Tayara, G. (2020). Taking Lebanon Online. Carnegie Middle East Center. Link