Towards excellence in e-government implementation: challenges in trans-boundary information systems integration: the case of G2G partnership in Tanzania

Despite the number of e-government in itiatives taking place in Tanzania, there is an increase in the demand for the improvement in service provision by various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) particularly i n information collection and dissem ination. To address this issue this study poses two main objectives to achieve which are to determine the level of trans-boundary information systems integration between various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Tanzania and to identify various challenges in information systems integration. In order to achieve these objectives a data collection was embarked, upon which a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to various MDAs located in Dar es Salaam City. A two-phase analysis was conducted. Phase one analysis is based on frequency distribution and a simple t-test for hypothesis testing. It is found that in overall the level of trans-boundary information systems' integration across MDAs is significantly insufficient to support the desired information flow despite that within MDAs the level was found to sufficient. Phase two analysis is based on frequency distribution of the respondents ' claim regarding challenges that hinder the information systems' integration. JCT infrastructure is claimed to be the top most challenge, it includes computer accessibility, communication infrastructure and JCT literacy. Other challenges identified include development change partnership and collaborations, leadership role, policy and strategy issues and lastly human capital development.