International Journal of Electronic Governance (10 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Intelligent Marketing of E-Government Public Services and Citizen Interaction  
  by Tariq Samarah, Ayman Hindieh, Ala Mughaid, Muder Almiani 
  Abstract: The application of innovative marketing technologies is important for optimizing E-government services delivery. This study investigates the integration of Emarketing with E-government platforms to improve public service and citizen engagement. The research addresses the following: How AI-driven marketing can improve citizen engagement and service accessibility? What are the key factors influencing E-government services? A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with government officials and quantitative surveys of citizens to assess the effectiveness of AI-driven strategies. The results indicate a 30% increase in user satisfaction, a 25% improvement in service accessibility, and a 40% rise in citizen engagement. The proposed system reduces operational costs by 20%. Findings underscore the implications of intelligent marketing technologies in public administration, not only in improving service delivery, but in enhancing government efficiency also. These results highlight the critical role of AI driven marketing in modernising public service, ensuring better service delivery and citizen satisfaction.
  Keywords: Digital Marketing Strategies; E-Government; Public Service Delivery; Citizen Interaction; AI-Driven Marketing; Data Analytics in Public Administration.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10069135
   
  
• E-Government System for Racial Discrimination Detection in Arabic Social Media: Integrating Arabert and Ktrain in a Multimodal Learning Framework  
  by Tarek Kanan, Ashraf Almhirat, Tariq Samarah, Ghassan Kanaan, Omar Al-Azzam 
  Abstract: This study presents an advanced NLP and multimodal learning framework to detect racial discrimination in Arabic social media. We curated a dataset of 10,319 Facebook and Twitter posts, applying preprocessing steps like normalisation, stopword revoval, and stemming. The methodology integrates machine learning (SVM) and deep learning (RNN/LSTM), achieving high F1 scores. The best performance came from combining AraBERT and ktrain, with F1 scores of 90% on Twitter and 91.46% on Facebook. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in improving classification accuracy in addition contributing to the development of more secure and comprehensive digital environments for Arabic speakers.
  Keywords: Multimodal Learning; NLP; Racial Discrimination Detection; Deep Learning; AraBERT Integration; and Ktrain Integration; social media.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10071486
   
  
• Protecting the Moral Rights of the Author in the Process of Machine Learning in the Era of AI: a Case Study on ChatGPT  
  by Ibrahim M. Obeidat, Adnan Alomar, Naeem A. Al Otoum, Ahmad Zaqibh 
  Abstract: This study focuses on the legal aspects of the effects resulting from the use and exploitation of works in machine learning for training ChatGPT We will concentrate on two key areas: the first addresses the mechanism of machine learning and its implications for the moral rights of authors, while the second discusses the legitimacy of developers using these works in machine learning To achieve the desired outcomes in this research, we adopted the criterion of balance between the author's rights and the public's right to benefit from these works, along with the resulting exceptions to the legal protection of the author's rights that lawmakers seek to establish to achieve this balance The study concludes that the machine in ChatGPT relies on intellectual works during its learning phase, which may lead to infringements of moral rights, such as failing to credit the author of the utilized work or damaging their reputation and honour during this phase. In certain cases, infringement may not occur if it aligns with legitimate use or falls within the exceptions established by the legislator.
  Keywords: Copyrights; moral rights; artificial intelligence; machine learning; ChatGPT.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10071602
   
  
• Innovation, Digital Inclusion, and E-Government: Analysing their Relationship in Digital Governance  
  by Zakariya Belkhamza 
  Abstract: The global digital divide remains a significant barrier to effective e-government engagement, with inequalities in digital access and innovation hindering the potential of digital governance. This study examines the relationship between digital transformation, innovation and digital inclusion in the context of e-government in 121 countries. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling and finite mixture partial least squares, this research investigates how innovation and digital inclusion interact to influence e-government effectiveness and assesses unobserved heterogeneity across countries. The findings reveal that while innovation is essential to advancing digital governance, it can also negatively impact the digital divide if not managed inclusively. Furthermore, digital inclusion serves as a mediator between innovation and e-government engagement, highlighting the importance of ensuring digital access alongside technological progress. As such, this study calls for balanced strategies that foster both technological advancement and equitable access to digital services, providing critical insights for policymakers aiming to enhance e-government engagement globally.
  Keywords: digital transformation; digital inclusion; innovation; e-government engagement; global competitiveness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10072567
   
  
• Dissemination Methods and User Perception of Union Digital Services in the Haor Regions of Bangladesh  
  by Mohammad Samiul Islam, Sadik Hasan 
  Abstract: The study investigated strategies for disseminating the services through the Union Digital Centre (UDC) in Bangladesh's Haor regions and user satisfaction with union digital centres' operations. Data was collected through questionnaire surveys and key informant interviews, using the Likert scale to assess users' perceptions and satisfaction with UDC's performance. The study reveals that major socio-economic features of the target population, including primary school, household work, income range of 10,000-20,000 BDT, and age 31-50, utilise various dissemination methods, including paper-based, verbal, cell phone, email, and home service delivery. Capacity constraints, such as internet speed, equipment availability, power supply, entrepreneurial competencies, and behaviour, significantly influence the operational efficacy of UDCs. Customer satisfaction scores are neutral for internet speed, equipment accessibility, entrepreneurial skills, and service delivery but satisfied for power availability and entrepreneurial behaviour. Prioritising these challenges can enhance service quality.
  Keywords: Dissemination methods; Union digital services; Users’ perception; Union Digital Centre; and Haor regions.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10072679
   
  
• Barriers to digital inclusion in service delivery in South Africa: a systematic review  
  by Takudzwa Musekiwa, Stellah Lubinga, Tyanai Masiya 
  Abstract: This research explored the barriers to digital inclusion in service delivery in South Africa. It utilised the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and conducted a thorough search of various databases to identify pertinent literature that met the predetermined inclusion criteria. The study found that despite the profound benefits of digital inclusion in service delivery, existing challenges include a lack of access to the necessary devices, to access digital services; unreliable internet access; and a lack of knowledge of digital services. There is a need to provide resources to help citizens gain access to affordable internet services and help marginalised groups improve their digital literacy and skills. The study provides valuable insights for politicians, public managers, and government administrators. These insights can inform the development of more effective interventions aimed to foster transformative leadership for digital inclusion. This review addresses several vulnerable groups and highlights the digital inclusion of indigenous populations.
  Keywords: digital inclusion; digital divide; service delivery; digital accessibility; South Africa; digital literacy; digital connectivity.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10070710
   
  
• A multi-factor framework for transformational government in Tanzania: an empirical analysis of implementation determinants  
  by D.M. Lashayo, J.R.A. Mhina, E.M. Kwesigabo 
  Abstract: Transformational government (T-Gov) represents an advanced stage of electronic government (e-Gov), designed to deliver proactive, predictive, and integrated public services. Governments worldwide are increasingly adopting T-Gov to enhance digital governance and service delivery. However, despite significant investments in digital transformation, its implementation in developing countries, including Tanzania, remains challenging. This study develops and empirically tests a multi-factor framework for implementing T-Gov in Tanzania by identifying key determinants influencing its adoption and effectiveness. A quantitative approach was employed, utilising structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse survey data from a randomly collected sample of 1370 Tanzanian e-service users. The findings indicate that a framework comprising seven key factors effectively explains T-Gov implementation in Tanzania. The results underscore the necessity of integrating multiple factors for successful T-Gov adoption. Based on these findings, policy and practical implications are discussed, and future research directions are proposed to refine and expand the framework for broader applicability.
  Keywords: T-Gov; transformational government; digital governance; e-Gov; electronic government; SmartPLS; SEM; structural equation modelling; digital innovation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10072725
   
  
• Digital India program optimisation: harnessing guidelines and contracts  
  by Amarjeet Singh, Pavitra Bhardwaj 
  Abstract: The Digital India Program, initiated in 2015 by the Government of India, is a visionary project for digital empowerment and inclusive development. It covers digital infrastructure, e-governance, digital literacy, and citizen services. Despite progress, its ongoing success depends on clear guidelines and contracts. This policy paper analyses the program's key aspects, stressing the importance of guidelines for objectives, strategies, and stakeholder roles, and the necessity of transparent, accountable contracts with the private sector, especially concerning data and privacy protection. The paper also examines the challenges of digital transformation, like the digital divide and cybersecurity, and the opportunities from emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and 5G. It proposes recommendations for governance structures, guidelines, contractual frameworks, public-private collaboration, cybersecurity, and digital literacy to bolster the program. In conclusion, for India to become a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy, the Digital India Program must be adaptive and responsive to the digital world, with a strong foundation based on the recommendations of this paper.
  Keywords: digital India program; guidelines; contracts; governance; digital infrastructure; e-governance; digital literacy; cybersecurity; public-private collaboration.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10071478
   
  
• Implementation of e-Procurement policy and corruption in public procurement: the case of Indonesia  
  by Bayu Surya Dani, Mohamad Dian Revindo 
  Abstract: Public procurement frequently involves substantial budgets, rendering it vulnerable to corruption, it constitutes up to 21% of the total corruption cases handled by Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (CEC). To mitigate, Indonesian government has launched e-Procurement since 2008. This study examines the impact of e-Procurement implementation on the reduction of public procurement corruption. Employing the Negative Binomial Regression approach by analysing CEC data pertaining to public procurement corruption inkracht cases in 2015-2022, and introduce a new dimension by adding the institutional aspect. The findings indicate that e-Procurement implementation is significantly correlated with a decrease in the number of public procurement corruption cases. Furthermore, bureaucratic reform and performance accountability of institutions exhibit a significant correlation to the mitigation of public procurement corruption. These findings suggests that the combination of e-Procurement implementation and quality of institutions can be a decisive factor to minimise the level of public procurement corruption in Indonesia.
  Keywords: e-Procurement policy; public procurement; corruption; institutions; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10072389
   
  
• The e-levy and financial inclusion: user acceptance of digital transaction in Tanzania's mobile payment landscape  
  by Justus Mwemezi, Herman Mandari 
  Abstract: The introduction of an electronic transaction levy has introduced complexities affecting banks, mobile service providers, and consumers. This study examines the moderating impact of the e-levy on electronic transactions in Tanzania. Using a survey of 472 respondents, the study employs the extended UTAUT model to assess factors influencing the actual usage of electronic transactions. Furthermore, the study examines the moderating impact of the electronic transaction levy. Results indicate that while performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, and habit significantly influence behavioural intentions, the electronic transaction levy negatively moderates the relationship between Habit and actual usage. The findings highlight the tension between revenue generation through taxation and the goal of financial inclusion, suggesting that the electronic transaction levy may undermine efforts to integrate underserved populations into the financial system. The study provided recommendations to reconsider the electronic transaction levy (ETL) to enhance financial inclusion.
  Keywords: e-levy; financial inclusion; Tanzania; E-transaction; mobile money.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2025.10070878