The National Policy of Electronic Participation (e-Participation) for Mauritania

The National Policy of Electronic Participation (e-Participation) for Mauritania is designed to enhance citizen engagement and transparency in governance through digital transformation. The policy envisions a future where citizens can easily access information, participate in decision-making, and contribute to transparent management practices. This approach aligns with global advancements in e-governance and aims to improve Mauritania’s performance in international ICT and e-participation indices.

The vision of the policy is to make citizen participation a pillar of transparency and collaborative governance. By 2025, the policy seeks to achieve the following strategic objectives:

• Provide online tools for citizen engagement in parliamentary and decision-making processes.
• Increase participation from diverse groups, including youth, women, and rural populations.
• Improve Mauritania’s international ranking in ICT and e-participation indices.

To achieve these objectives, the policy is structured around three main axes:

• E-Information focuses on providing accessible information and data, modernising data-sharing services, and improving administrative processes to ensure transparent and effective communication with citizens.
• E-consultation is aimed at creating platforms for citizens to express their opinions on public matters and fostering a feedback loop that strengthens the government-citizen relationship.
• E-Decision emphasises involving citizens in policymaking and decision processes, with a particular focus on inclusivity for marginalised and underrepresented groups.

The implementation plan comprises four key initiatives and twelve projects. These include transforming public services digitally by introducing platforms such as e-ID and comprehensive digitalization systems, establishing a national open data platform, and developing a dedicated e-participation platform. The policy also prioritises improving internet access and affordability to ensure widespread participation.

A participatory governance model is proposed to oversee the implementation and effectiveness of this policy. This involves a high-level digital council (HCN) responsible for steering policy actions and a coordination and evaluation committee to monitor and report on progress. This governance framework ensures transparency, inclusivity, and continuous improvement based on stakeholder feedback.

However, several challenges are identified. These include limited digital infrastructure, low internet accessibility, a need for capacity development, and fostering a culture of digital literacy. Resistance to change among citizens and government entities also presents obstacles that need to be addressed through targeted initiatives and communication strategies.

The policy draws inspiration from successful e-participation models in countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, and Denmark. By adapting these models to the local context, Mauritania aims to establish a robust framework for e-participation, contributing to its broader goals of digital transformation and inclusive governance.