Driving Digital Transformation in Developing Nations

"If an author were to attempt combining a love story of development practice and a scholarly text on digital transformation, this would be it.” —Luci Abrahams, Director, LINK Centre, University of the Witwatersrand “Nagy Hanna had to build the infrastructure within the World Bank and in Sri Lanka to realize the goal of digitally-enabled development. He helped us fashion the vision for e-Sri Lanka, build a new national ICT Agency, get Bank financing and facilitate implementation of a pioneering digital transformation program. As a dedicated internationalist, Hanna ably argued the case of his client in the context of a difficult environment. A tightrope walk act between client and donor, which he balanced admirably.” —Eran Wickramaratne, MP. Founding Chair ICT Agency & Former Minister of Finance, Sri Lanka This book provides detailed insight into what governments and institutions can do to drive digital transformation in a nation pursuing economic development. Drawing on real-world case studies and practical advice, the book breaks down digital transformation of public services, healthcare, and the move toward smart cities. Synthesizing publicly available information, the book captures how the World Bank transformed its response to the digital revolution in several nations. Nagy K. Hanna takes readers through the pioneering export strategy of software services in India’s and Sri Lanka’s first integrated digital transformation program. The resulting book is a guide for policymakers, development economists, and change-makers seeking new ways to harness the power of digital technologies to promote inclusive and sustainable development. Nagy K. Hanna advises countries and aid agencies on economic development and digital transformation programs. For more than three decades, he held senior positions in operations and strategic functions at the World Bank. Hanna was the World Bank's first senior advisor focused on digital economy. He was Visiting Professor at University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, as well as Senior Fellow and Board Member at the Center for Policy on Emerging Technologies. He is Cofounder of People-Centered Internet, a global forum for inclusive digital transformation. He teaches and advises on digital leadership. Hanna has published extensively on digital leadership and national digital strategies.