Benefits and constraints to the utilisation of e-business technology by micro and small enterprises in Tanzania: a case study of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

This study examined the benefits and constraints to the utilization of e-business technology by owner- mangers of micro and small enterprises (MSE) in Tanzania. The main objective of the study was to explore prospects and constraints of utilising e-business technology in Tanzania focusing on Dar es Salaam city as a case study. Dar es Salaam was chosen due to the fact that it's the largest commercial city in the country hence more representative and on the basis of its geo-politic and economic position. The study is very important especially in the period of globalization where the economy of world countries is persuaded to be knowledge based. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study, though qualitative methods dominated quantitative ones. A total of 87 respondents were included in the survey including 29 from each of the three Municipal Councils in Dar es Salaam city including; llala, Kinondoni and Temeke. Overall, the study findings revealed that utilisation of e-business technology by MSE owner-manager have some positive impacts in development. In addition the study identified several constraints that limit full utilisation of EBT by MSE in Tanzania such as lack of knowledge and skills in ICT and EBT related infrastructures. The study ends up with policy recommendations on how to popularize the use of EBT.