ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6471-3650
Abstract
The advent of the fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) has resulted in the digital transformation of multiple sectors of the economy due to the disruptive nature of the technologies driving the revolution. The technologies have already found their way into the oil and gas industries across the globe, especially in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. However, the degree of implementation is not the same for these operations, considering the complexities involved, integrated process, the associated risk and investment cost, among others. This study aimed to establish the implementation level of IR4.0 technologies in the downstream operations. A survey method was employed to collect information regarding their implementation. SPSS 21 and SmartPLS 4.1.0.9 software were used in the data analysis. Results indicated that industrial internet of things (IIoT) or IoT is the most influential technology on both refining, storage, transportation and distribution processes with mean values of 4.93, 4.73, 4.17 and 4.64, respectively. It was also found that IIoT/IoT, simulation, and cybersecurity technologies have the highest implementation level in Tanzania’s oil and gas industries, with levels of 3.4, 3.3, and 3.0, respectively. The result indicated that oil and gas industries in Tanzania are not adequately implementing these technologies, as they are at the medium level, necessitating more effort on their integration into downstream oil and gas operations to reach the highest level of their implementation. The study proposed strategies for implementing IR4.0 technologies in downstream operations, highlighting the establishment of core concepts through IoT and cloud computing as the top strategy. Smart pipeline monitoring ranked second, while agile regulatory frameworks were the lowest. Other strategies include cloud-based data management, workforce skill upskilling, and strengthening cybersecurity. The government is urged to create a supportive legal environment to boost the fourth IR innovation in the sector.
Recommended Citation
Mwinyi, V. J. (2026). Implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Tanzania’s Downstream Oil and Gas Industries. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology, 45(1), 21-31. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.65085/2619-8789.1086
Publisher Name
University of Dar es Salaam
Included in
Industrial Engineering Commons, Industrial Technology Commons, Manufacturing Commons, Systems Science Commons