“This dialogue offers a formal, highprofile platform for sharing experiences in postal operations and regulation while fostering connections among key stakeholders.”

A parallel discussion at the African CEOs Forum, held under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Future Through Postal Innovation: Integration, Logistics, and Inclusive Socioeconomic Development in a Digital Era,” examined how postal services can leverage emerging technologies to accelerate digital transformation.

Participants emphasised the need for Africa’s postal sector to evolve through innovation and inclusivity to meet the needs of a rapidly digitising continent.

Dr Moyo noted that the conference’s themes align closely with Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want”, a strategic framework set by the African Union, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both of which emphasise inclusive growth and technological advancement.

Another key focus was the theme of the 7th Regulatory Forum: “Regulatory, Technical and Financial Challenges of Postal Service Financing, and Outlook.”

This discussion stemmed from a PAPU Secretariat survey, which revealed that 78 per cent of Member States are currently unable to regularly cover the additional costs of providing universal postal services.

Moreover, only 7 per cent of countries have adopted cost accounting models an international standard for determining the net cost of such services.

“This forum provides an excellent opportunity for regulators and operators to develop joint strategies to close the postal divide and ensure service delivery reaches all populations, regardless of geographic location,” said Dr Moyo.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative action, innovation and regulatory reform to ensure Africa’s postal services remain relevant, inclusive and sustainable in the digital age.