{
  "title": "Can Digitalization Help Deter Corruption in Africa?",
  "publication": "IMF Working Papers, May 29, 2020",
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  "summary": "This paper studies the effect of digitalization on the perception of corruption and trust in tax officials in Africa. Using individual-level data from Afrobarometer surveys and several indices of digitalization, we find that an increase in digital adoption is associated with a reduction in the perce",
  "sections": [
    {
      "heading": "Key findings",
      "content": "- An increase in digital adoption is associated with a reduction in the perception of corruption.\n- An increase in digital adoption is associated with an increase in trust in tax officials.\n- Exploiting the exogeneous deployment of submarine cables at the local level, the paper provides evidence of a negative impact of the use of Internet on the perception of corruption.\n- The dampening effect of digitalization on corruption is hindered in countries where the government has a pattern of intentionally shutting down the Internet.\n- Countries that successfully promote information and communication technology (ICT) enjoy a more amplified effect of digitalization on lowering perceived corruption and raising trust in tax officials."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Data and methodology",
      "content": "- Individual-level data from Afrobarometer surveys were used.\n- Several indices of digitalization were employed.\n- Identification includes exploiting the exogeneous deployment of submarine cables at the local level to measure the impact of Internet use on corruption perceptions."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Contextual factors and heterogeneity",
      "content": "- Intentional Internet shutdowns by governments weaken the negative relationship between digitalization and perceived corruption.\n- Active promotion of ICT by governments amplifies the beneficial effects of digitalization on perceptions of corruption and trust in tax officials."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Subjects and keywords (as reported)",
      "content": "- Subject: Corruption, Digitalization, Education, Public employment, Public financial management (PFM)\n- Keywords: DAI government, government action, intentional disruption, online service, simple average, tax official, WP\n\n---\n\n Content in this bundle\n\n- Working Paper\n  - Working Paper (Markdown version){rel=\"alternate\" type=\"text/markdown\"}\n  - Working Paper (PDF){rel=\"external\" type=\"application/pdf\"}\n\n---\n\nSource: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2020/05/29/can-digitalization-help-deter-corruption-in-africa-49385"
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    "Authors: Rasmané Ouedraogo, Amadou N Sy",
    "Published: May 29, 2020",
    "Series: IMF Working Papers",
    "DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781513545691.001",
    "An increase in digital adoption is associated with a reduction in the perception of corruption.",
    "An increase in digital adoption is associated with an increase in trust in tax officials.",
    "Exploiting the exogeneous deployment of submarine cables at the local level, the paper provides evidence of a negative impact of the use of Internet on the perception of corruption.",
    "The dampening effect of digitalization on corruption is hindered in countries where the government has a pattern of intentionally shutting down the Internet.",
    "Countries that successfully promote information and communication technology (ICT) enjoy a more amplified effect of digitalization on lowering perceived corruption and raising trust in tax officials.",
    "Individual-level data from Afrobarometer surveys were used.",
    "Several indices of digitalization were employed.",
    "Identification includes exploiting the exogeneous deployment of submarine cables at the local level to measure the impact of Internet use on corruption perceptions.",
    "Intentional Internet shutdowns by governments weaken the negative relationship between digitalization and perceived corruption.",
    "Active promotion of ICT by governments amplifies the beneficial effects of digitalization on perceptions of corruption and trust in tax officials.",
    "Subject: Corruption, Digitalization, Education, Public employment, Public financial management (PFM)",
    "Keywords: DAI government, government action, intentional disruption, online service, simple average, tax official, WP",
    "**Working Paper**"
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