Long Term Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Corridors Performance

Abstract

Transport corridors play a crucial role in facilitating regional trade and economic integration. The Central Corridor, connecting the Port of Dar es Salaam to several landlocked countries, has increasingly adopted Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions to enhance logistics efficiency, trade facilitation, and sustainability. This study examines the long-term impact of ICT on corridor performance using a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative analysis, conducted through NVivo, explores policy frameworks and stakeholder perspectives, while quantitative assessment, using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), evaluates ICT’s effects on logistics efficiency, economic growth, and trade facilitation. Findings indicate that ICT adoption significantly improves corridor performance by reducing transit delays, enhancing cargo tracking, and streamlining customs clearance. However, challenges such as regulatory misalignment, infrastructure disparities, and cybersecurity risks hinder full ICT integration. The study highlights the need for continuous investment in digital infrastructure, policy harmonization, and stakeholder collaboration to maximize ICT’s long-term benefits. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on digital transformation in transport corridors and provide policy recommendations for sustainable corridor management.

Keywords: Transport corridors, ICT adoption, logistics efficiency, trade facilitation, digital infrastructure, economic growth, regulatory alignment, cybersecurity, structural equation modeling (SEM)