E-Governance in Tanzania

Abias A Mayalu –Msc. LM
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Table of Contents
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………….………….1
1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………….………..1
1.1. Definition of Key terms…………………………….……………………………….2
1.1.1. E-Governance……………………………….………………………………..2
1.1.2. E-government………………………………….……………………………..2
1.2. Objective……………………………………………….……………………………3
2. E-Government Model……………………………………….……………………………3
2.1. Stage of E-Government Model in Tanzania ……………….………………………..4
3. Problems of E-Government In Tanzania………………………….……………………...6
4. Challenges facing E-Government in Tanzania…………………….……………………..8
5. Opportunities for E-Government in Tanzania……………………….…………………..10
6. Conclusion……………………………………………………….………………………12
7. References………………………………………………………….……………………13

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Abstract
Talking of technology, the world is changing in a very high speed in all sectors, be it in
agriculture, education, health, transportation and more largely in business operations. Everyone
is talking on strategies which will at the end of the day help to explore the current technologies.
Most governments have recently adopted the E-governance in their day to day service delivery.
The traditional way of doing things is being slowly phased out. The purpose of this paper is to
assess e-governance in Tanzania basically looking at opportunities present, issues around it and
the challenges facing Tanzania in relation to E-governance. The main concern is that Tanzania
like any other country cannot avoid adopting e-governance (Bwalya, 2009), and it has been
observed that e-government has changed ways of services delivery as we consider the service
level agreement in place. It is my recommendation that Tanzania should invest enough in e-
government to achieve its competitive edge.
1. Introduction
E-governance has been expounded by different scholars and intellectuals that solutions to
development issues more or less require changes to the government processes and ways of doing
things. The rationale behind it has been to bring about efficiency and effectiveness in the country
which can be nurtured through the flourishing of E- Governance. The realization of ICT is
considered as having impact on governance different reforms in which the driving force is the
need to adhere to public demands for online services and information that as a result fosters
democratization participation, accountability, transparency and the execution of quality and on
time services to the entire community.
E-Governance has taken root throughout the world and Tanzania has managed to be in the pool
as well. International wise, Europe, USA and in other Westernized countries such as Australia
and Singapore has managed to be the leading actors to presenting E-Governance in their
countries. Some African countries in initial adoption stage were so reluctant to go for E-
government but now they admit the need for it.

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1.1. Definition of Key Term
1.1.1. E-Governance
Bakilana said it that E-Governance can be described as a set of technology-mediated processes
that are changing both the delivery of public services and the broader interactions between
citizens and government. The essence of e-governance is the use of Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) by different actors within the society with the aim
of improving their access to information and to build their capacities. E-governance is, therefore,
about the use of information technology to raise the quality of the services governments deliver
to citizens and businesses. (Bakilana, October 2009). Also it is about a government delivering
services and information to the public using electronic means to support good governance.
(Mozammel & Satter, 2013).
1.1.2. E-Government
On the other hand E-Government is the use of information and communication technologies to
improve the activities of public sector organizations to improve the services offered to the public
which has been advocated by governments globally as a means to acquire efficiency,
accountability and transparency in governance. It refers to the use of information and
communication technologies (ICT) by the government agencies to transform relations with
citizens, business and other arms of government in the delivery of services.
Generally, e-government is the key to better government leadership and valuable solution to
quick and thriving political, social and sustainable economic development. Most civil conflicts in
developing countries particularly in Africa are a result of bad governance, human rights abuses,
bad practice of democracy and extensive poverty (Cole, 1990). Proper application of e-
governance for internal and external operations of central and local government administration
can at large extent contribute to reduce these fore said problems but it will need committed
leaders who can turn that around (Armstrong, 2009); (Maxwell, 2000); (Mullins, 2011).

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1.2. Objectives
Objectively E-Governance plays as a bridge governance for both government and the citizens
taking note that good governance can only be seen as an exercise of economic, political, and
administrative authority to better manage affairs of a country at all levels, national and local.
E-governance assures transparency, shortens service delivery time, reduces corruption,
strengthens democracy, implements good governance and alleviates poverty although this
particular factor has been under strong discussion by many scholars as to how effective this can
be.
2. E-Government model
Different `models' of e-governance currently exist, although it is generally accepted that national
e-governance efforts may combine elements from any of the models. The primary delivery
models of e-Government can be divided into the following categories:-
 (G2B) Government to Business
 (G2C) Government to Citizens
 (G2G) Government to Government
These delivery models show the main institutions that the government interacts with from time to
time. Within each of the delivery settings involves such activities like providing or putting
various information over the Internet such as laws and regulations, public announcements and
notices, regulatory services, national holidays, public schedules, briefs and vacancies.
2.1. Stages of E-Government in Tanzania
The evolution of e-government has been going through different phases/stages as explicated
below:

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2.1.1. Stage One is Digital Presence
This is meant to provide simple stipulation of government information through electronic means.
Nevertheless, government organizations are limited to their interaction between them and the
clients since the information is one way.
During this first phase, the Internet sites are rather static in nature and are only meant to provide
general information. It may also include “push” systems that send information to users via e-
mail, SMS, or other means and can be enhanced by links between official websites and dynamic
updates of more and more specialized information.
As governments’ aggregate content and services into portals it becomes easier for users to find
information from multiple websites hosted by different ministries.
Information published online can include laws, regulations, policies, budgets, judicial opinions,
official publications and reports, forms, executive decisions, and a wide range of government
advice and information on matters such as health and agriculture. It also can include government
directories, organizational structures, and contact information for government offices and key
officials, including addresses and telephone numbers. (Primer, 2009)
2.1.2. Stage Two is Interaction
In the second phase, the interaction between government and the public (G2C & G2B) is
stimulated with various applications. People can ask questions via e-mail, use search engines,
and download forms and documents. These save time. In fact the complete intake of (simple)
applications can be done online 24 hours per day. Normally this would only have been possible
at a counter during opening hours. Internally (G2G) government organizations use LANs,
intranets and e-mail to communicate and exchange data.
Bottom line is that more efficiency and effectiveness is achieved because a large part of the
intake process is done online. However, you still have to go to the office to finalize the
transaction, by paying a fee, handling over evidence or signing papers. The use of electronic
communications tools speed up the internal government processes.

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2.1.3. Stage three is Transaction
The “Transaction” phase of e-Government involves provision of secure transaction with high
level of authorization which can be seen as a mutual exchange of information (and sometimes
funds) between government and citizens or businesses through step-by-step online self service
processes. Citizens are able to file tax returns, obtain visas, passports, birth and death records,
licenses, and permits, pay parking fines and utility bills, and apply for government jobs.
Electronic identity and digital signatures may be recognized, and secure sites and user
pins/passwords are also required.
Online “transactions” make government services available at any time from any Internet-
connected computer and more and more frequent via a smart mobile phone, whose cost,
accessibility, and wide penetration make it a suitable device to access e-Government services.
Traditionally, government services may have required long waits, confrontation with time-
consuming bureaucracy, and the occasional bribe (Oman, 2015).
Bottom line is that now the complete process is online, including payments, digital signatures
etc. This saves time, paper and money.
2.1.4. Stage Four is Transformation
The fourth phase is characterized by redefined relationships between government, citizens,
businesses, communities and employees delivering seamless experiences and rich levels of
engagement derived from new connectivity, interoperations and business models for service, and
policy design and development. The integration of information, processes, and channels across
multiple government, non-government, and private sector organizations enable a user to start and
complete an entire task easily, confidently, and securely. This underpins the concept of
integrated and transformational service. Users are able to access any service or information in a
complete “end-to-end” package where the existing boundary between departments/ministry or
organizations do not interfere with or interrupt the service outcome, and where the services are
clustered along common “customer” needs (Oman, 2015).

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Other examples which indicate achievements of e-government in Tanzania is the current E-
registration of companies by BRELA, driving license and largely in most financial institutions
whereby technology is highly invested. Consider use of electronic banking, communication
through internet, internet banking such as M-Pesa, Tigo-Pesa, Airtel-Money and the like. All
these indicate the achievements Tanzania has gone through.
Ojo commented on security enhancement through use of e-governance. Networks have continued
to connect large amount of data from increasing number of sources and security has been
therefore depending on these data (Ojo, 2014). Consider the example of police force using the
smart phone in getting hold of wrong doers through GPRS, this has enabled and simplified the
investigation works and hence shorten the time to be taken in all this duties.
3. Problems of E-government in Tanzania
As it is in most of developing countries Tanzania has never been exceptional in facing problems
associated with adoption and execution of e-government. Below are some problems identified as
presented by report on strategy (URT, 2013).
3.1. Country Policy and Legal Framework
Citing the example of the recent Bill that has been accented by the president which governs mass
media and communication technology would be valuable to explicate the situation Tanzania is
going through in course of E-governance. No supportive policies neither legal framework that
bind the execution of e-government in Tanzania.
3.2. Fear for the unknown for e-Government adoption.
As it has been common in developing countries they tend to lag behind to adopt new technology
and let other country try first then they come after. This is fear for the unknown particularly
when there are anticipated risks they consider to hit them.
3.3. Poor infrastructures.
E-governanment needs supportive infrastructures which at the end of the day will be used to
embrace the operations. In Tanzanian environment that thing is not widely spread. The
concentration is in urban areas. Looking at the total population Tanzania is approaching 45

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million people ¾ of the population living in rural areas. Therefore, the investment of e-
government should be re-considered.
3.4. Lack of awareness of e-Government
Most of Tanzanian communities are not aware of the application of e-government. The
awareness programme are not that much enough to the extent that they impart knowledge and
awareness on the usability of e-government.
3.5. Lack of adequate and expertise in ICT
Tanzania suffers the same quench of inadequate of IT skilled people. Technology is a recent stuff
and most countries have recently prioritized to invest in technologies. This creates the
environment which provides insufficient people with IT skills.
3.6. Attitude and cultural challenges in the use of ICT
Consider different cultures we have in Tanzania, for example in Tarime it was not a priorite for
girls to be taken to school, that same applies to massai culture and Sukuma. These few cultures
mentioned make a bigger part of Tanzanian population which becomes a problem when adopting
and implementing ICT stuff.
3.7. Security issues
Most of Tanzanians fear to utilize e-government because of security issues around the matter.
Tanzania has never been vibrant enough to protect technological issues. Take into considerations
the frauds activities in most of financial institutions; it is an indication of some control gaps
present in execution of ICTs.
In general terms, I can say Tanzania should not let these problems twinkle the progress it has
reached today in the adoption of e-government. Nothing is problems free, it is expected and the
problem is not having the problems but how do we resolve them.
4. Challenges facing e-government in Tanzania.
At high level there is lot of challenges facing e-government in most of developing countries
Tanzania being among them. The challenges given below are collective, i.e. their impact is to

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both developed and developing countries. Different scholars have grouped them differently as
explained below:
4.1. Hard- soft gaps
This is basically looking at the difference between the actual technology which is referred to as
“hard” and the reality of the social context which include three elements, i.e. people, culture and
politics. Therefore this context is what is referred to as “soft”. Backus in his report on E-
Governance and Developing Countries has cemented that for e-governance to be successful
training to people is critical (Backus, 2001). The difficult question would be whether in Tanzania
we have such enough professional to conduct such ICTs training. Consider the recent example of
businessmen moves trying to avoid use of EFD machines. This indicates how challenging it is
for people to accept use of technology but again education on how important it is to pay tax is
very critical here as people seem not to be loyal to paying tax.
4.2. Private- Public gaps
The idea here is the difference observed between the private and public sector. This stands to
mean that the system which works in private differs from that works in public sector and this
difference lies in the whole issue of design. In terms of investing into system design itself the
private sector seems to invest more than the public sector does. The challenge here therefore,
would be to what extent the public sector invests in ICTs. Considering the issue of uncompetitive
pay in public sector also plays a hindrance role to deploy suitable people for the ICTs related
work.
4.3. Country-Context gaps
Now in this our interest is to evaluate the differences present from one country to the other in
terms of capabilities and abilities of controlling the impact related to implementation of e-
government. When talking on privacy Backus pointed that ICT is highly vulnerable and would
have big negative impact particularly to developing countries Tanzania being one of them given
the level of country technology (Backus, 2001). Therefore the challenges to developing countries
such as Tanzania is how the e-government can be implemented from grassroots level given the
economic factors and political will the country is going through. Consider the recent of voters’

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registration challenges Tanzania has faced as this describes the level of technology Tanzania is
going through.
On the other hand (Backus, 2001) has given out challenges of e-government for developing
countries. To Backus aspects of e-government include:
i. Political aspects
In this aspects what is being considered include; policy and strategies formulation, laws and
legislation, leadership, processes of making decision, funding capabilities, international affairs
and political stability. Backus (Backus, 2001) goes further and evaluates these aspects in terms of
SWOT analysis. These aspects have direct impact to Tanzanian environments as well. There is
lack of ownership of the agenda especially for public sector though opportunities are there. We
have seen also the slowness of decision making, corruption and limited transparency being the
threats.
ii. Social aspects
Backus talks about people’s level of education, employment, level of income, digital divide,
relationship between rural areas vs. cities levels, level of literacy, rich vs. poor and people with
IT skills. These have significant contribution into making e-government become either a success
or a failure (Backus, 2001). Each aspect will have different level of impact when it comes to the
implementation of e-government.
iii. Economic aspects
The aspects of e-governance will include cost saving, funding, the way business is done, and the
e-commerce. As discussed by Ojo that e-governance is a good argument for external funding and
transparency for business (Ojo, 2014). As it is in Tanzania we have been greatly challenged on
how we do manage investors and control our budgets. According to Backus we still have
opportunity to cost efficiency through e-governance though we sit in the threat of corruption
(Backus, 2001).

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iv. Technological aspects
In normal circumstances technology is the mother and foundation of e-government. If it is not
there therefore, it becomes a bottleneck for flourishing e-government in developing countries
Tanzania inclusive. The technology aspects which have to be looked at are software, hardware,
infrastructure, telecom, people with IT skills, maintenance safety and security issues (Backus,
2001). One of the important things we see here as strength is that e-government is new to
Tanzania and no negative legacy which might slander down the implementation of e-
government. We are being challenged in the aspect of skills as we have shortage of IT skilled
people and the internet software cost is very high but again Tanzania is so dependent on
technology which could stand as a threat to implementation of e-government.
5. Opportunity for e-government in Tanzania
Talking at high level, we see e-government highly growing in Tanzania if at all we are positively
commenting on it. Ojo commented that e-governance is becoming a necessary political
mechanism with the purpose to evaluate and govern performance in many developed nations of
the world; it enhances citizens to have ability in accessing the basic programmes of government
on the same spot bringing about transparency in public performance (Ojo, 2014).
It is true that Tanzania is passing through different challenges in implementing e-government but
we are seeing achievement. The use of BVR, EFD driving license, National Identity and
National Passport all indicate achievements and bright future. Challenges will always be there
and to us the issue is not presence of challenges but how do we fight to manage those challenges
is what is critical towards the successful implementation of e-government in Tanzania.
The open system theory puts more emphasis on the need to continuous interaction between
government organization and the private sector in implementing e-government (Jean Dombeu &
Nelson Rannyai, 2014). In Tanzania for instance the relationship between public and private
sector is being emphasized with the same purpose of enhancing e-government and strengthen the
use of technology between these two sectors. In future this will surely help to facilitate the
modernization of government services (Jean Dombeu & Nelson Rannyai, 2014).

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6. Conclusion
At levels we cannot ignore all the efforts that the government of Tanzania has made towards
creating a more integrated and connected unit in the country through the establishment of e-
Government however, we anticipate the e-government contribution to to address issues such as:
Limited transparency, handicapped strategic vision and limited resource utilization. The citizens
of Tanzania need to see efficiency, accountability and transparency which has to start with
leadership cultural change (Northouse, 2006), in the country and if the establishment of e-
Government will be conducted wisely then it is no doubt that Tanzania will be a better place to
live in.

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7. Reference
Armstrong, M. (2009). Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. New Delhi:
KoganPage Limited.
Backus, M. (2001). E-Governance and Developing Countries: Introduction and Examples. Hague: iicd.
Bakilana, G. (October 2009). Challenges of promoting E-Governement in Tanzania.
Bwalya, K. J. (2009). Factors Affecting Adoption of E-Governament in Zambia. The Electronic Journal on
Information Systems in Developing Countries , 1-13.
Cole, G. (1990). Management: Theory and Practice. London: DP Publications Ltd.
JeanDombeu& NelsonRannyai.(2014).AfricanE-GovernmentResearchLandscape. TheAfrican Journal
of Information System , 6 (3), 85-119.
Maxwell, J. C. (2000). Failing Forward. Mumbai: Magna Publishing Co. Ltd.
Mozammel, C., & Satter, Z. (2013). Citizen Perspective of E-Gov Model for Developing Countries.
American Journal of Modelling and Optimization , 43-46.
Mullins, L. J. (2011). Essentials of Organisational Behavior. England: Pearson Education Limited.
Northouse, P. (2006). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishers.
Ojo,J. (2014). E-governance:AnImperativeforsustainable grassroot developement in Nigeria. Journal
of Public Administration and Policy Research , 6 (4), 77-89.
Oman, e. (2015, April 12). Information Technology Authority. Retrieved from
https://www.ita.gov.om/ITAPortal/Info/FAQ_eGovernmen.aspx.
Primer,e.-G.(2009, October). InformationforDevelopmentProgram.Retrieved from www.iitu.int/ITU-
D/Cyb/app/docs/eGovernment_Primer[1].pdf
URT. (2013). Tanzania e-Govenrment startegy. Dar es Salaam: President's Office.

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