Advancing Digital and AI Capacity for African Public Sector Transformation

Digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within African public administration have become pivotal areas of research in recent years. Despite rising awareness of the potential benefits these technologies can bring, significant barriers persist, including restricted access to digital infrastructure, intermittent connectivity, and inadequate training in both higher education institutions and the public sector. Notable studies and systematic reviews have underscored the depth of these challenges, with particular attention to the structural factors that limit effective governance and citizen participation. Current discourse also highlights a significant gap in how AI and digital tools are embedded not only in STEM fields but also within broader public administration curricula, posing fundamental questions about equity, access, and systemic innovation.Researchers are beginning to examine policy and practical strategies for enhancing digital readiness and closing the digital and AI divides in African institutions. Some interventions focus on targeted capacity-building programs, curriculum reform, and public-private partnerships, yet the efficacy and scalability of these approaches remain hotly debated. Recent comparative analyses of educational and administrative frameworks further reveal uneven progress and underscore the need for context-specific solutions. Despite growing investments, gaps persist in policy implementation, resource distribution, and the intentional integration of digital and AI technologies into non-technical domains within public administration.This Research Topic aims to critically evaluate current digital inclusion efforts and AI integration strategies across African public administration and higher education. It seeks to identify actionable pathways to address the persistent disparities stifling governance innovation and inclusive citizen engagement. Key objectives include assessing the impact of policy interventions, exploring interdisciplinary approaches to digital skills development, and analyzing case studies of successful public sector modernization leveraging AI.The scope of this Research Topic is focused on African public administration and higher education, with particular attention given to structural constraints and the effectiveness of policy responses in advancing digital inclusion and AI empowerment. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Barriers to digital inclusion and AI capacity in African public sector institutions- Policy interventions and their impact on governance and citizen engagement- Curriculum reform and digital skills training in higher education- Integration of digital and AI tools in non-STEM contexts- Evaluation of public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder initiatives- Case studies of technological innovation and modernization in African governance- Comparative analyses of digital inclusion frameworks and strategies Topic editors: Stellah Nambalirwa Lubinga, Tyanai Masiya, Tafadzwa Clementine Maramura, Emmanuel Remi Aiyede, David Sebudubudu, JOSEPH OKEYO OBOSI Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81711/advancing-digital-and-ai-capacity-for-african-public-sector-transformation