Electronic Government, An International Journal, Vol. 14, No. 2, 2018 115 Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Digital open government in Africa: a strategy for bridging citizens’ gap Emeka Ndaguba* and Edwin Ijeoma Institute of Development Assistant Management, School of Government & Public Administration, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa Email: endaguba@ufh.ac.za Email: eijeoma@ufh.ac.za *Corresponding author Abstract: This paper extends the scope of open and digital government to include relationships bridging and development. It argues that open and digital government that encourages citizens’ engagement in Africa is capable of restoring trust lost. The study used thematic review and analysis, quasi- quantitative research method. The paper revealed those years of long suffering, slavery, authoritarian, totalitarian, oppressive government, colonialism, and apartheid has made the frontrunners to assume the place of a hunter and the citizens as its prey. Keywords: open government; trust; transparency; openness; citizens’ engagement; Africa. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Ndaguba, E. and Ijeoma, E. (2018) ‘Digital open government in Africa: a strategy for bridging citizens’ gap’, Electronic Government, An International Journal, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp.115–133. Biographical notes: Emeka Ndaguba is a PhD student, a Research Assistant and a Journal Administrator. His current research interests include open governance, peace operation, organisational development, transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies in public management, and systems in organisations. His work has appeared in Africa Review (Taylor and Francis), Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review (IDAM), The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa (AOSIS), and Electronic Government, an Int. J. Edwin Ijeoma is the Head of School, School of Government & Public Administration, University of Fort Hare, South Africa. He has several books, book chapters, and several articles to his credit. He is the Editor in Chief – Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review, Local Government Research & Innovation (Forthcoming), and the Executive Director of the Institute of Development Assistant Management and the ASSADPAM Book Series.