From advocacy to policy implementation: Evaluating the effectiveness of open government initiatives in Africa and the U.S.

This paper explores the journey from advocacy to policy implementation in open government initiatives across Africa and the U.S. Open government has been recognized globally as a tool for enhancing transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. Through case studies from both regions, this paper evaluates how these initiatives have evolved from grassroots advocacy to formal policy, focusing on their effectiveness in improving governance. The study examines key drivers, challenges, and outcomes of open government policies, comparing the U.S.'s advanced implementation to Africa's diverse approach, where socio-political contexts significantly influence success rates. The findings reveal common barriers such as political resistance and resource limitations but also highlight innovative solutions that have shown success in improving citizen engagement and government transparency. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations to enhance the impact of open government initiatives in both regions.