The Tanzania Digital Project is giving the Tanzania Posts Corporation (TPC) a major digital boost, with new technology and infrastructure expected to improve e-commerce and other services for citizens and businesses.
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Government, the project is supporting TPC to modernise its information and communication technology (ICT) systems as demand for digital services continues to grow.
TPC Director of E-Commerce, Agency and Financial Services, John Mwakaloge, said the project had strengthened the corporation’s capacity to deliver digital services, particularly in e-commerce, agency and financial services.
He said the investment had supported the development of the Tanzania National E-Commerce Platform, designed to connect producers, traders and consumers through digital technology.
“The Tanzania Digital Project has enabled the corporation to acquire modern ICT equipment, strengthening our technical capacity, improving the working environment and enhancing the delivery of digital services to citizens,” Mwakaloge said.
The project has also supported the renovation and upgrading of TPC’s Innovation Centre at its headquarters, which Mwakaloge said would provide space for developing digital solutions and promoting innovation.
He said the investment was timely because some of TPC’s previous ICT equipment had become outdated and could no longer adequately support the corporation’s growing digital operations.
The ageing equipment had affected the speed and efficiency of some services and constrained the corporation’s ability to develop new digital systems.
Mwakaloge said e-commerce was among the areas benefiting most from the digital investment, with improved systems expected to make it easier for businesses to sell their products and reach customers across the country and beyond.
He said TPC expected increased use of its digital platforms and improved revenue performance as the new systems become fully operational.
TPC officer Ernest Mrutu said the corporation had also established Kipepeo Online Shop, a digital marketplace aimed at linking businesses with customers in Tanzania and international markets.
Under the platform, traders can register their businesses, upload product photographs and descriptions and make their products available to potential customers online.
Mrutu said TPC then facilitates delivery of purchased products to customers, helping traders overcome one of the key challenges in e-commerce—reliable distribution.
He said traders currently do not pay a registration or joining fee to access the platform.
“This gives traders an opportunity to use digital technology to expand their businesses and reach customers beyond their immediate locations,” Mrutu said.
To register, traders are required to submit personal details, including their names, telephone numbers, email addresses and copies of their National Identification (NIDA) cards.
They must also provide business information, including the business name, type of business, business licence and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Payment details, either a bank account or mobile money account, are also required to facilitate payments after products are sold.
Mrutu urged traders, particularly small businesses, to take advantage of the platform to expand their markets and increase their participation in the growing digital economy.
The development comes as Tanzania continues to expand digital infrastructure and promote e-commerce as part of efforts to create new business opportunities, improve access to services and enable more citizens to participate in the digital economy.
