Inclusive Digital Inclusion Strategies for Senegalese Elderly Populations Revisited: E-Government Usage Survey in Sierra Leone

Inclusive digital inclusion strategies have been pivotal in enhancing access to e-government services for elderly populations globally, especially in contexts where traditional governance structures face challenges. The methodology employed is grounded in quantitative research methods, utilising surveys designed specifically for the study population. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews and online questionnaires. Statistical analysis includes regression models with robust standard errors to account for potential confounding variables. A notable finding from this replication effort indicates that approximately 45% of Senegalese elderly respondents reported using e-government services, a proportion similar to the previous study in Sierra Leone. This suggests consistent trends in digital adoption among the target demographic across different contexts. The findings underscore the necessity for continued and tailored inclusive digital inclusion strategies aimed at overcoming barriers faced by older populations in accessing modern governance mechanisms. Given the similarity of e-government usage patterns observed, policymakers should focus on enhancing digital literacy programmes and infrastructure to support broader elderly engagement with online government services. Additionally, regular assessments are recommended to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness of these strategies. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.