Tossy, TitusBrown, Irwin2024-04-172024-04-172017APAhttps://www.igi-global.com/chapter/collaborating-partnerships/160569https://scholar.mzumbe.ac.tz/handle/123456789/681A book chapter published by IGI Global in the Book of Information Technology Integration for Socio-Economic Development pp 32-51This chapter examines the phenomenon of e-learning in East Africa. The classic grounded theory methodology was used to carry out the study. Through multiple encounters with 24 e-learning providers, the investigation revealed legitimizing of e-learning projects to be a significant issue for these providers. Developing collaborating partnerships was a key strategy used by the providers to legitimize e-learning projects. The study identified two types of collaborating partnerships: Asymmetrical and Reciprocal. These findings are positioned within literature to highlight the contribution that this paper makes to the discourse on e-learning projects in developing countries.enCollaborative partnershipsProject-based strategyLegitimizationEast African e-learningArticle