MASASI, Rhudo2025-09-262025https://research.unilus.ac.zm/handle/123456789/611Master of Arts in Public Administration - DissertationThis study investigated the challenges and prospects of e-government implementation in local government in Zambia, with a focus on Southern province as a case study. The research examined three selected local authorities, namely: Livingstone City Council, Choma Municipal Council, and Pemba Town Council. E-government is a transformative approach that leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance public service delivery, improve transparency, and foster citizen engagement. However, its adoption at the local government level faces multiple challenges including inadequate ICT infrastructure, financial constraints, limited human capital and ICT skills, resistance to change, cybersecurity risks, and regulatory challenges. The study employed a mixed method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative, leaning mostly on the qualitative side. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and structured interviews using questionnaires as interview guides. Secondary data was gathered from policy documents, reports, and relevant literature. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data interpretation, while descriptive statistics were applied to analyze quantitative responses. From the literature, two theoretical frameworks; the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Electronic Government Adoption Model (EGAM), provided a framework for detailed analysis of the challenges whilst identifying potential opportunities for improvement. The empirical review highlighted evidence from other studies which showed issues or challenges like limited ICT budget in the local authorities, inadequate ICT infrastructure and or gadgets in both councils and the community, low digital literacy levels, insufficient public knowledge and awareness, as well as other behavioural issues. Past studies from global examples show casing best practises such as lessons learned from Estonia and Korea were examined to show insights that could be used to take action in e-government implementation to yield better results. The findings indicate that e-government adoption remains at an early stage, with limited implementation beyond bulk SMS billing notifications and the use of social media platforms. Key barriers include insufficient ICT investment, inadequate internet connectivity in rural areas, low public awareness, and digital illiteracy among citizens. Despite these challenges, the study highlighted potential benefits such as improved service delivery, increased transparency, cost efficiencies, and enhanced citizen participation. The research recommends targeted policy interventions, including increased investment in ICT infrastructure, digital literacy training programs for both government officials and citizens, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and the establishment of clear regulatory frameworks to support e-government growth. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and streamlining digital governance policies are also vital for sustainable e-government implementation. The study contributes to the academic discourse on digital governance by providing a detailed analysis of e-government challenges and opportunities in the local government context. If offers practical recommendations for overcoming barriers and leveraging digital governance to achieve efficient and transparent local government operations. Keywords: E-government, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Electronic Government Adoption Model (EGAM), Digital Governance Local AuthorityenThesis