Does Information and Communication Technology matter in enhancing local government transparency in Tanzania? Evidence from the selected local government authorities

The use of Information &amp; Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly recognised worldwide as crucial for improving transparency in governance. However, it remains debatable whether the utilisation of ICT is related to the improved local government transparency in the context of developing countries like Tanzania. The study employed a mixed-method research approach utilising Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyse the quantitative survey data gathered from 645 randomly selected respondents while on the other side, the thematic analysis was applied to examine the qualitative data obtained through semi-structured interviews with the 22 purposively selected respondents. The results indicate that the level of transparency in Tanzania’s local government is statistically significantly influenced by internet connectivity and accessibility (β = 0.137, <i>p</i> &lt; .0001) as well as ICT literacy (β = 0.086, <i>p</i> = .027). The use of e-government services is not statistically significantly related to local government transparency (β = 0.094, <i>p</i> = .165). Consequently, we determine that ICT literacy, along with internet connectivity and accessibility serve as a crucial factor in shaping the local government transparency in Tanzania. Therefore, we urge policymakers and governments of developing nations, including Tanzania, to formulate and implement strategies that ensure access to affordable and dependable internet connectivity, alongside improving citizens’ ICT literacy to foster local government transparency.

信息与通信技术（Information & Communication Technology，ICT）在全球范围内日益被视作提升治理透明度的关键手段。然而，在坦桑尼亚这类发展中国家的语境中，ICT的应用是否能够推动地方政府透明度提升，目前仍存在争议。本研究采用混合研究方法，借助结构方程模型（Structural Equation Modelling，SEM）对从645名随机选取的受访者处采集的定量调查数据展开分析；同时，运用主题分析法对22名目的性选取受访者的半结构化访谈所得定性数据进行解读。研究结果表明，坦桑尼亚地方政府的透明度水平在统计学上显著受到互联网连接与可及性（β=0.137，*p* < 0.0001）以及ICT素养（β=0.086，*p* = 0.027）的影响。电子政务服务的使用与地方政府透明度之间未呈现统计学意义上的显著关联（β=0.094，*p* = 0.165）。据此，我们认定ICT素养、互联网连接与可及性是塑造坦桑尼亚地方政府透明度的核心因素。因此，我们呼吁包括坦桑尼亚在内的发展中国家政策制定者与政府，制定并实施相关策略，保障民众可负担且可靠的互联网接入，同时提升公民的ICT素养，以此促进地方政府透明度的提升。