By Correspondent – ARUSHA.

THE GOVERNMENT has implored Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Member States to build a sense of transformation that will sustain the Sector and meet the aspirations of Postal Services Customers.

Opening the 43sup>rd/sup> Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Administrative Council Plenary Session in Arusha yesterday, the Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communication and Information Technology Mr Nicholaus Merinyo Mkapa said that delivery of Postal Sector Services should conform to the fast changing needs and aspirations, adding that Tanzania is committed towards meeting the drive.

“I want to reaffirm the solid commitment of the United Republic of Tanzania in supporting the activities of the Pan African Postal Union. Your presence here today reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Africa’s Postal and Communication Ecosystem for the benefit of our people.”

Diring his opening remarks at the 43sup>rd/sup> Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Administrative Council Plenary Session in Arusha, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Dr. Bajiri K. Bakari appealed to PAPU Members States to harness Digital Systems for a vibrant Postal Sector in Africa that would upgrade living standards of the people.

In his statement which was delivered on his behald at the colourful event by the TCRA Manager for Postal Services Ms. Cecilia Mkoba, the TCRA DG said that Postal Sector Regulations should not be a barrier, instead be people’s enabler towards the attainment of various services.

“ We should note that Regulation is not a barrier, but it is a bridge. Effective, forward-looking regulation ensures fair competition, protects consumers, and sets the stage for private sector engagement with our Postal Operators. We must harmonize postal laws with digital economy frameworks. We must redefine the “Universal Service Obligation” to reflect not just physical delivery, but digital connectivity and access to basic financial tools” said the TCRA Chief.

Dr. Bakari said smart regulations can also unleash entrepreneurship, allowing small businesses to leverage postal logistics for e-commerce and cross-border business, adding that it can formalize informal sectors and provide new revenue models for postal operators.

He said innovation and modernization must go hand in hand as the future of the African Post is digital, automated, and data-driven through digital systems.

“ To remain relevant and impactful, postal services must embrace emerging technologies from blockchain for secure and transparent transactions, to drones and electric vehicles for efficient last-mile delivery, to mobile applications that empower customers to track parcels, pay bills, and access essential services like digital IDs. These innovations are not just upgrades; they are enablers of inclusion, efficiency, and trust in a modern postal ecosystem” Dr Bakari told the fully packed PAPU Tower Conference room.

The Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) was founded on 18sup>th/sup> January 1980 in Arusha Tanzania as a Speciallised Agency of the African Union (AU) with an objective of promoting Postal Services in Africa. During its formation PAPU had 35 Members States only, however, now it is boasting of 45 Member States. PAPU played a central role during the liberation struggle of the African Continent, hence contributed towards its success.

The 43sup>rd/sup> Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Administrative Council Plenary Session in Arusha was attended by different officials including the Chairperson of the PAPU Administrative Council Mr Abdelouahab Gbara, PAPU SG Dr Sifundo Chief Moyo, The Permanent Secretary & Chairperson Department of Posts, Government of India Ms. Vandsta Kaul, The Deputy Director General, Universal Postal Union (UPU) Mr Marjan Oswald and Assistant Secretary General of PAPU Mrs. Jessca Hope Sengooba among others.