March 2024 | YAKUBA Yusuph Kibira; MUSTAFA Mohsin Ph.D.; DEO Shao Ph.D.
This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating e-government services (eGSs) in Tanzania, emphasizing the need for interoperability among public information systems (ISs) to improve service delivery to citizens. The study highlights that the lack of integration leads to information silos, inefficiency, and hindered service delivery. A framework for eGS integration is proposed using a design science research approach, focusing on harmonizing public institutions, establishing a unified network for e-government systems, and creating an e-government service catalog. The framework aims to facilitate the exchange of information between public institutions and ensure seamless service delivery.
The study analyzed the current state of e-government in Tanzania, revealing that while some e-government information systems (eGISs) exist, they are often siloed and not integrated. This results in non-integrated eGSs, which hinder the efficient delivery of services to citizens. The study also identified several challenges, including a lack of ICT literacy, insufficient infrastructure, a digital divide, data privacy concerns, and the absence of comprehensive ICT policies and legislation. These factors contribute to the difficulty in achieving eGS integration.
The study conducted a case study on the motor vehicle clearing process, revealing that the lack of integration among public institutions' ISs leads to inefficiencies and delays in service delivery. The findings indicate that while some eGISs are automated, most are not integrated, leading to redundant processes and a lack of interoperability. The proposed framework aims to address these issues by promoting the integration of eGISs, ensuring that information is exchanged seamlessly between public institutions.
The study also highlights the importance of coordination among public institutions in e-government projects, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to system development and integration. The framework suggests that public institutions should work together to develop interoperable systems, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and effectively. The study concludes that the integration of eGSs is essential for improving the delivery of government services to citizens, and that a comprehensive approach involving policy, technology, and organizational changes is necessary to achieve this goal.This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating e-government services (eGSs) in Tanzania, emphasizing the need for interoperability among public information systems (ISs) to improve service delivery to citizens. The study highlights that the lack of integration leads to information silos, inefficiency, and hindered service delivery. A framework for eGS integration is proposed using a design science research approach, focusing on harmonizing public institutions, establishing a unified network for e-government systems, and creating an e-government service catalog. The framework aims to facilitate the exchange of information between public institutions and ensure seamless service delivery.
The study analyzed the current state of e-government in Tanzania, revealing that while some e-government information systems (eGISs) exist, they are often siloed and not integrated. This results in non-integrated eGSs, which hinder the efficient delivery of services to citizens. The study also identified several challenges, including a lack of ICT literacy, insufficient infrastructure, a digital divide, data privacy concerns, and the absence of comprehensive ICT policies and legislation. These factors contribute to the difficulty in achieving eGS integration.
The study conducted a case study on the motor vehicle clearing process, revealing that the lack of integration among public institutions' ISs leads to inefficiencies and delays in service delivery. The findings indicate that while some eGISs are automated, most are not integrated, leading to redundant processes and a lack of interoperability. The proposed framework aims to address these issues by promoting the integration of eGISs, ensuring that information is exchanged seamlessly between public institutions.
The study also highlights the importance of coordination among public institutions in e-government projects, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to system development and integration. The framework suggests that public institutions should work together to develop interoperable systems, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and effectively. The study concludes that the integration of eGSs is essential for improving the delivery of government services to citizens, and that a comprehensive approach involving policy, technology, and organizational changes is necessary to achieve this goal.