Investigating factors influencing the usage of ICT tools for importation by Tanzanian SMES: the case of Garment firms in Dar es Salaam

The current business world has been greatly influenced by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the embracing and application of ICT among business is wide spread. This study investigate factors influencing the usage of ICT tools for product importation by Tanzania SMEs a case of garment firms in Dar es salaam. The study used theory of technological acceptance model (TAM) and other empirical reviews to establish the literature gap. Study used exploratory and partly descriptive research design, reason as to why exploratory research used is because there is no much research done in this sector particular in Tanzania. Also technique used to collect data were questionnaire, and they were personally administered, 100% response rate was attained. Also the questions provides the qualitative information, using the types of "why and how" questions. The main data analysis was carried by using statistical software (SPSS) as an instrument of analyzing data before giving interpretation. Technical tools for analysis was descriptive statistics and for open-ended question weighted codes used. The findings reveled that main reasons why importers of garment do not use ICT tools in garment importation have been named to be; suppliers are not trustworthy, a need to verify the design of garments, and need to check the authenticity in terms of quality of the garment. What is unique from the findings is that, garment are different from other goods, in a way that fashion and design matters a lot, hence, importers cannot afford to get it wrong. There is a need to develop an enabling environment for garment importers to facilitate them in using ICT tools, and adopting to the ever changing technology. An enabling environment includes trainings, sensitization and development of sound policies that support their activities.