E-government development and governance in MENA countries: an empirical study

Published Online: Nov 13, 2023

Mohammed S. AL-REFAI

Email: alrefaim2000@yahoo.com
Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia

Mohamed Ali SAAD

Email: mohamed.saad@nbu.edu.sa
Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia

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Abstract:

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of e-government on a battery of governance indicators in a sample of 17 Middle East and North African countries during the period 2003-2019. Methods/Approach: The analysis is based on advanced econometric tools, which consist of second-generation panel data techniques allowing the control of cross-section dependence and slope homogeneity when estimating the short- and long-run impacts of e-government on governance. Results: The preliminary analysis suggests the presence of slope homogeneity and cross-section dependence in the data, while the second-generation panel unit root test indicate that all variables are stationary at first-difference. The second-generation panel cointegration test indicates the existence of long-run relationships between e-government adoption and governance indicators. Furthermore, the PMG-ARDL confirms that role of e-government in reducing corruption and improving the rule of law in the long-run. On the other hand, no significant impact of e-government on voice and accountability, government effectiveness, and regulatory quality were detected. The short-run analysis also reveals no effects on governance. Conclusions: These results are important for improving institutional quality in the MENA region via the adoption of e-government.

Keywords:

e-government, governance, MENA, second-generation panel data

Pages:

7-20

JEL Classification:

A10; C23; H83

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46656/access.2024.5.1(1)

How to cite:

Al-Refai, M.S., Saad, M.A. E-government development and governance in MENA countries: an empirical study. (2024). Access to science, business, innovation in the digital economy, ACCESS Press, 5(1), 7-20, https://doi.org/10.46656/access.2024.5.1(1)

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