Abstract
This study examined the impact of the Tanzania Electronic Single Window System (TeSWS) on cargo congestion at Dar es Salaam Port, focusing on its influence on clearance time, cargo volume, and vessel dwell time, guided by Port Performance Theory and the Technology Adoption Model (TAM). Using a mixed-methods case study design with interviews, document reviews, and purposive sampling of 30 respondents, the findings show that TeSWS has improved operational efficiency by reducing clearance time, increasing cargo throughput, and lowering vessel dwell time. However, challenges such as ICT limitations, inadequate infrastructure, limited training, and resistance from some stakeholders continue to constrain its full potential. The study concludes that TeSWS significantly enhances port performance but requires further investment in ICT infrastructure, stakeholder sensitization, and ongoing system evaluation to ensure sustainable competitiveness of Dar es Salaam Port in global trade.
Keywords
References
- African Development Bank (AfDB). (2020). Regional integration strategy paper for Eastern Africa 2020–2026. AfDB.Google Scholar ↗
- Combo, D. K. (2020). Customs procedures and trade facilitation in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam: TRA Publications.Google Scholar ↗
- Combo, D. K. (2020). Research methodology and data collection techniques. Dar es Salaam: Academic Publishers.Google Scholar ↗
- Dada, M., Mtebe, J., & Msolla, S. (2020). Factors influencing e-government adoption in Tanzania: A TPB approach. International Journal of E-Services and Mobile Applications, 12(3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJESMA.2020070101DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
- Delano, L. A., & Combo, D. K. (2018). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. Nairobi: Pauline’s Publications.Google Scholar ↗
- Djankov, S., Freund, C., & Pham, C. S. (2010). Trading on time. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 92(1), 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1162/rest.2009.11498DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
- George, M. (2018). Digital transformation of customs services in Africa: Challenges and opportunities. African Trade Review, 12(3), 44–56.Google Scholar ↗
- Goddard, W. (2018). Research and practice: Research guide for business and social sciences. Cape Town: Juta.Google Scholar ↗
- Goddard, W., & Melville, S. (2018). Research methodology: An introduction (2nd ed.). Juta & Company Ltd.Google Scholar ↗
- Hamisi, A., & Kileo, S. (2024). Adoption of automated customs systems and efficiency improvements in Tanzania. Journal of African Trade and Logistics, 9(2), 55–72.Google Scholar ↗
- Hillman, A. L. (2018). International trade and political economy. London: Routledge.Google Scholar ↗
- Hotelman, B. (2018). Global trade policy: Questions and answers. Washington, DC: World Bank.Google Scholar ↗
- International Monetary Fund (IMF). (2021). Trade facilitation and the digital economy. Washington, DC: IMF.Google Scholar ↗
- IPP Media. (2024, November). Increased cargo and container traffic at Dar es Salaam port linked to DP World operations. IPP Media.Google Scholar ↗
- Maersk. (2025, January). New TANCIS system: Requirement for consignee’s TIN in import manifests. Maersk Line Notice.Google Scholar ↗
- Maersk. (2025, January). TANCIS upgrade and TeSWS downtime notice. Maersk Line Advisory.Google Scholar ↗
- Mason, R. (2019). Leveraging technology for efficient customs administration: The case of the U.S. CBP. International Journal of Customs and Trade, 14(1), 29–41.Google Scholar ↗
- Melts, M. J. (2020). The impact of trade on intra-industry reallocations and aggregate industry productivity. Econometrica, 71(6), 1695–1725.Google Scholar ↗
- Notteboom, T., & Rodrigue, J. P. (2021). Port digitalization: Challenges and policy implications. Maritime Policy & Management, 48(7), 974–990. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2021.1874843DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2018). Trade facilitation and the global economy. OECD Publishing.Google Scholar ↗
- Pearson, D. (2019). Digital customs transformation in East Africa: A case study of TANCIS. African Journal of Trade and Development, 5(2), 89–104.Google Scholar ↗
- Peter, C. (2020). TradeNet and the future of smart customs systems in Asia. Asia-Pacific Customs Innovations, 10(1), 77–89.Google Scholar ↗
- Peterson, L. (2020). The impact of global trade liberalization on customs operations. World Trade Journal, 22(4), 105–122.Google Scholar ↗
- Rood, R., & Combo, D. (2022). Challenges in customs modernization in East Africa. Journal of Logistics and Border Studies, 15(2), 78–92.Google Scholar ↗
- Rwanda Revenue Authority. (2016). Rwanda electronic single window annual report 2015/16. Kigali: RRA.Google Scholar ↗
- Schwab, K. (2017). Information technology project management. Boston: Engage Learning.Google Scholar ↗
- Son, J. (2019). Reducing trade barriers in developing economies: Policy perspectives. Development Policy Review, 37(5), 623–640.Google Scholar ↗
- Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). (2022). TRA annual performance report 2021/2022. Dar es Salaam: TRA.Google Scholar ↗
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). (2019). Review of maritime transport 2019. Geneva: UNCTAD.Google Scholar ↗
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). (2021). Trade facilitation and development: Driving trade competitiveness. Geneva: UNCTAD.Google Scholar ↗
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). (2019). Facilitating cross-border trade through a coordinated African trade facilitation strategy. Addis Ababa: UNECA.Google Scholar ↗
- United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). (2017). Trade facilitation and the single window: Lessons from global best practice. Bangkok: UNESCAP.Google Scholar ↗
- Wagner, R. (2017). Queuing models and port efficiency: A systems perspective. Maritime Policy & Management, 44(1), 67–84.Google Scholar ↗
- Williams, J. (2020). Efficiency in customs clearance and trade flow. Journal of International Trade Policy, 9(3), 33–47.Google Scholar ↗
- World Bank. (2020). Doing business 2020: Comparing business regulation in 190 economies. Washington, DC: World Bank Group.Google Scholar ↗
- World Customs Organization (WCO). (2018). WCO customs capacity building strategy. Brussels: WCO.Google Scholar ↗
- World Population Report. (2019). Global economic and demographic analysis. New York: United Nations.Google Scholar ↗
- Xing, T. (2020). Congestion and supply chain delays in emerging port economies. Journal of Logistics and Transport, 11(4), 132–149.Google Scholar ↗
- Daily News. (2025, June). TeSWS rollout and its integration with TANCIS highlighted in government report. Daily News Tanzania.Google Scholar ↗
- Digest.tz Insight. (2025, August). From TANCIS to TeSWS: Lessons from Tanzania’s digital customs transition. Digest.tz InsightGoogle Scholar ↗
