Challenges and Constraints of E-Government in Sudan from the Perspective of Higher Education Sector Employees

Abstract

Digital transformation has reshaped public service delivery worldwide; up to now, many developing countries are still fighting to gain the benefits of e-government. Recently, the Sudanese government has been striving to advance digital transformation despite numerous challenges and constraints. The objective of this study is to investigate the managerial; organizational; financial, technological, and social challenges and constraints that impede e-government development and implementation in Sudan from the perspective of higher education sector employees. The study employed a quantitative approach; a questionnaire was designed to gather data from 195 employees across Sudanese higher education institutions. Reliability was strong across scales (Cronbach’s α: 0.798, 0.847, 0.857; overall 0.913). Statistical analyses (descriptive, chi-square) were conducted using SPSS to test the hypothesises. Results: Respondents reported high agreement that managerial; organizational; financial challenges and constraints hinder the adoption and implementation of e-government. Most notable items in the first dimension included changes of government; lack of awareness, lack of sustainable methodology, limited skills, resistance to change, and persistent budget insufficiencies (all p < .001). The general first-dimension mean was approximately 4.29, which provides evidence to support H1. Technological challenges and barriers focused on poor telecommunication network coverage (especially in rural areas), inadequate electricity grids, high connectivity costs, weak data security practices, and incompatible systems. The general mean for the second dimension was 3.97, which provides evidence that supports H2. Social challenges and constraints included limited awareness of e-government concepts, technical illiteracy, talent emigration, weak recognition of creativity, absence of competency-based HR practices, and low trust among users. The general mean for the third dimension was approximately 3.99, which provides evidence to support H3. The significance level for the three dimensions was p < .001. The study concludes that the adoption and development of effective e-government projects in Sudan requires integrated strategies that combine institutional restructure, technological investment, human capacity development, and social awareness. For future research, the study recommends employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a better understanding of e-government challenges and constraints. Despite the limitations, this study contributes to the e-government research literature by informing policymakers and stakeholders about key areas for improvement in Sudan's e-government initiatives, particularly within the higher education sector.

Keywords: E-Government, Higher Education, Implementation, Challenges & Constraints, Sudan

DOI: 10.7176/IKM/16-1-03

Publication date: March 31^st 2026