Digital age has “fuelled re-invention of postal services”, says PAPU Secretary General

Younnouss Djibrine, the Secretary General of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU), has welcomed the “advent of the digital age”, which he believes is fuelling the “re-invention of postal services in order to remain relevant and competitive”. Speaking at an event held yesterday (18 January) in Arusha, Tanzania, to mark the 36th Pan African Post Day, Djibrine said that digital technology  – which some feared would decimate the mail business – has been a drive for innovation and improvement.

According to the PAPU Secretary General: “Post offices have actually become fully-fledged business and modern communication centres providing easy access to e-mails, internet surfing, electronic money transfers, hybrid mail, settlement of utility bills, ICT use training, e-government services, etc. ”

In an official statement summing up the event, PAPU noted: “The new post positions itself as the ideal facilitator of economic activities, by offering a one-stop-shop solution to online shopping enthusiasts through its tridimensional network (physical, financial and electronic).

“To this end, all regions of the World, including Africa, have identified e-commerce as Priority No. 1 in the framework for development of a future world postal strategy for the next Congress cycle.”