eCommerce in Tanzania Public and Private Sector Investments

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eCommerce in TanzaniaPublic and Private Sector
Investments

• National Stakeholder Workshop
• Presented by Simbo Ntiro 25th May 2002, Royal
  Palm Hotel
• Dar es Salaam

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eCommerce what is it?
The use of electronic networks to exchange
information, products, services, and payments for
commercial and communication purposes between
individuals (consumers) and businesses, between
businesses themselves, between individuals
themselves, within Government or between the
public and Government, and lastly between
business and Government.
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eCommerce flavours
Business to Consumer On-line shopping
Business to Business Integrating value-chain
Government to Consumer Services and
programmes Government online
Government to Business eProcurement
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eCommerce what is its relevance to Tanzania?
The convergence of information technology,
broadcasting and telecommunications and the
global reach of the Internet brings new
dimensions to the possibilities for national
development
But there are concerns and we must be prepared
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Typical applications of an information-based
economy
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Some key development objectives might be to

• Facilitate economic development and wealth
  creation
• Improve the quality of life through improved
  education, better health services, and job
  creation
• Create an engine for socio-economic development
• Address development gaps as they relate to women,
  the youth, rural and other disadvantaged
  communities

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There are other potential benefits including

• Improved response times
• Extended (global) market reach at little
  incremental cost increasing revenue potential
• Improved competitive positioning
• Ease of concluding deals and electronic
  transactions
• Increased customer convenience and choice
• Reduced prices
• Improved customer service

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The Policy Context Tanzania Development Vision
2025

• High quality livelihood
• Peace, stability and unity
• Good governance and the rule of law
• A well educated and learning society
• A strong and competitive economy capable of
  producing sustainable growth and shared benefits

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As late entrants to the scene we must note risks

• Tax revenue issues
• Hollowing out of industries
• Adverse effects of globalization
• Increased magnetization along internal and
  international digital divides
• Uncompetitive businesses
• Intellectual property rights
• Privacy and security

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Barriers and focal points

• Policy framework Chapter 3.4.2
• Legal framework validity, effect, and
  enforceability of electronic transactions
• Government revenues - customs duties, tax
  revenues (source vs. revenue-based taxation)
• International Law UNCITRAL Model Law on
  eCommerce
• International Commitments such as WTO and SADC

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Barriers and focal areas continued

• Jurisdiction and national borders facing the
  global Internet
• Lack of privacy and security fears
• Customer confidence and dispute resolution
• Infrastructure requirements
• Electronic payments systems
• Internet governance domain naming ccTLD

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What can we do?

• Government to become an intelligent user of ICT
• Implement a sound national ICT policy in
  partnership with civil society
• Private sector to have a social conscience and
  invest hand-in-hand with Government
• Have a level playing field regulated well

The infrastructure required for eCommerce
is virtually identical to that for eGovernment
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Thank you for your attention
Remember, it will BE Business