The Zambian Government is in the process of reviewing the Postal Services Act in order to respond to the realities of electronic commerce, courier as well as digital financial services.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati says the review will help strengthen the postal sector in supporting digital transformation and financial inclusion.
Mr Mutati recognised that the postal sector is at the heart of facilitating logistics for micro, small and medium enterprises by promoting financial inclusion alongside creating jobs for the people in communities.
The Minister, who was represented by Acting Director for Human Resources and Administration George Matulula, disclosed this in Lusaka during the World Post Day commemorations.
He noted that as Zambia moves towards becoming a smart and digital nation, the postal sector will continue to be a pillar in driving innovation, inclusion and sustainable development.
“The world is changing and so is the postal sector. Therefore, Zambia Postal (ZAMPOST) is embracing technology to remain relevant in today’s digital era,” he said.
The Minister has since directed the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) to be proactive in driving the digital ecosystem noting that postal services lie in integration on digital platforms, e-commerce and financial technologies.
“I direct ZICTA to strengthen its regulatory oversight and support mechanisms to ensure that postal operators ZAMPOST included are empowered to innovate, compete and deliver world class services that meet the demands of a fast evolving digital economy,” he said.
And ZAMPOST Board Chairperson Beene Siyumbwa said her institution endeavours to post and deliver not only mails and parcels but also drives Zambia’s e-commerce.
Mrs Siyumbwa said ZAMPOST ensures that it removes unnecessary hurdles by making life easier to its clientele.
“We ensure to serve the nation efficiently, responsibly and sustainably while also embracing the opportunities that digital transformation offers,” she stated.
Meanwhile, ZAMPOST Postmaster General Lydia Lubobya said today’s celebrations enables the institution to reflect on its invaluable role that postal services play in connecting people and driving socio-economic growth.
Mrs Lubobya said PAMPOST strives to provide postal services accessible and affordable to all Zambians.
She disclosed that ZAMPOST has positioned itself as a key enabler of digital market-place especially SMEs to reach customers both locally and internationally.
ZICTA Director General Collins Mbulo who spoke through Director Economy and Regulation Bernard Banda disclosed that the Authority is engaged to resolve disputes arising from alleged delayed parcels that are in transit and demanded by customers.
World Post Day is celebrated annually on 9 October and this year, it was celebrated under the theme, “Post for people, local service, global reach.”
The purpose of World Post Day is to bring awareness to the post’s role in the everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development.
It was declared by the 1969 Universal Postal Congress in Tokyo as a means to mark the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) creation in 1874.
Post Offices have been defunct for over a decade now absolute liabilities
The parcel business is solid and that is where the focus need to be. Compete with DHL for local delivery
You are right but they are grossly over staffed and with elections coming zero will happen