Mwamahusi, Mpe PauloTossy, Titus2024-04-172024-04-172017APAhttps://www.igi-global.com/chapter/doing-classic-grounded-theory-research-in-information-systems/160578https://scholar.mzumbe.ac.tz/handle/123456789/679A book chapter published by IGI Global in the Book of Information Technology Integration for Socio-Economic Development pp 145-168This paper examines e-learning adoption in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The paper examines whether there is a difference between the Private and public HEIs e-learning adoption. The rationale for the examination stands from the fact that scholars are of option that there is different between private and public HEIs e-learning adoption. From an empirical survey conducted in Tanzania, this paper evaluates both staffs and students on the current situations, factors affecting, similarities and differences of e-learning adoption between private and public HEIs. The research reveals that, despite of the government efforts to support e-learning initiative by introducing national ICT polices to boost the level of adoption; very few private HEIs have adopted e-learning compared to public HEIs. The limited initial investment, lack of expertize, lack of guaranteed electrical power, poor strategic change management plans, and lack of innovative ideas are the barriers to e-learning adoption.enE-learning adoptionHigher education institutionsPrivate vs. publicTanzania surveyArticle