Leaving No One Behind in Digital Delivery of Public Services: The Case of Online Business Registration in Tanzania
Date
2022-06Author
Mwighusa, Dennis
Daniel, Lanta
Diyamett, Bitrina
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Abstract
This study uses the case of online business registration to provide insights into how
increased digitalisation in service delivery has impacted women in Tanzania. It analyses
the use of ORS, the online registration system created by the Tanzanian government
for entrepreneurs to register their businesses online as an alternative to the in-person
process. The methodology included an online questionnaire administered via random
sampling and a purposive selection of key informants, who offered in-depth information
about the key emerging issues.
The findings generally reveal that although women make use of digital tools in their
daily activities, there is a substantial access gap between men and women. While many
have access to digital tools, especially smartphones, affordability of internet bundles is
a major obstacle towards closing the digital divide. Digital literacy, both in the use of
gadgets and the internet, is yet another cause of the digital gap. The study recommends
various interventions at national and global levels to remedy the situation. These include
joint action between the government and private sector actors in creating a conducive
and inclusive environment for digitalisation; it also calls upon development partners and
multinational organisations to prioritise grants and programs that would bridge the
digital divide.