Digital Transformation and E-Service Delivery in African Public Sector Organisations: Insights into Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture

Abstract This study identifies the key constraints to e-service delivery in Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture. The study uses exploratory desk research together with the Technology, Organisation, and Environment (TOE) framework to identify and analyse the key constraints in e-service delivery. Secondary data were obtained from e-government strategy documents, action plans, and progress reports on commitment to the digital transformation agenda of the Botswana government, including budget statements, state of the nation address and other relevant publications. The constraints are subsequently classified based on the three units of analysis, as stated in the framework. This study reveals that Botswana’s progress in telecommunication infrastructure development has not generated the desired results in terms of online services. Digital service delivery of Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture is minimal due to outdated information and communication technologies and systems as well as applications that are not interoperable. In addition, network technologies and electronic workflow systems are extremely slow and unreliable. The study underscores that private investment to support government’s investment through public-private partnerships will improve budget allocation and resource mobilisation for the digital transformation agenda to address information and communication technology infrastructural weaknesses and competency gaps. This article provides comprehensive information on core restraints to digital service delivery in Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture and how such constraints can be addressed to expedite digital service delivery. The study adds to the discourse on the role of technology in development by highlighting the role of digital technology in the agricultural sector.