Digital Strategies for SDG Localisation at the Local Government Level: Mapping Opportunities and Challenges in Zimbabwe: A Scoping Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijsbe.656Keywords:
Sustainable Development, Digital Transformation, SDG Localisation, Local Government, ZimbabweAbstract
Within the broader context of digital transformation in local governance, digital strategies are increasingly recognised as critical enablers of the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These strategies encompass a wide range of technology-driven interventions, including e-governance platforms, digital data systems, mobile applications, digital service-delivery tools and big data initiatives. Despite this promising outlook, the specific pathways through which digital strategies shape SDG localisation processes in African contexts, particularly in Zimbabwe, remain fragmented and underexplored in the existing literature. This study addresses this gap by mapping and synthesising the fragmented, multidisciplinary literature on digital strategies adopted by local governments to support SDG localisation, while also identifying the opportunities and challenges associated with their implementation in Zimbabwe. To achieve this objective, a scoping review is employed as the most appropriate methodological approach for examining the emergent, multidisciplinary and heterogeneous body of knowledge in this field. The findings of the review indicate that the digital strategies adopted by local governments offer significant opportunities to advance SDG localisation through improved transparency, accountability, service delivery efficiency and citizen engagement. However, the review also identifies several persistent constraints, including deficits in digital infrastructure, limited digital skills and technical capacity, financial constraints and institutional, policy and political barriers. Theoretically, the study contributes to ongoing debates at the intersection of SDG localisation, digital governance and sustainable development scholarship. Practically, it provides an evidence base to inform future empirical research, policy design and context-responsive digital interventions aimed at strengthening local-level SDG implementation.
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