By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The Universal Postal Union
(UPU) has brought together 28 participants from designated postal operators
across Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, restricted unions and the UPU International
Bureau to explore practical solutions for building stronger and more resilient
postal transport networks on the continent.
The three-day UPU Regional
Transport Workshop for Africa focused on improving postal transport efficiency,
strengthening regional connectivity and developing multimodal solutions and
strategic partnerships to support Africa’s growing e-commerce and intra-African
trade.
At the opening session, the
UPU highlighted the need for stronger connectivity, digital integration and
strategic partnerships to improve postal performance across Africa.
Representing the CEO of
Ethiopian Airlines, Mr Tewodros Ayalew outlined priorities around regional
connectivity, digital and paper-free operations, infrastructure and security,
emphasising their importance in meeting the logistics demands of Africa’s expanding
e-commerce sector.
Ethiopost CEO Mr Dagmawi
Hailiye called for greater integration of postal and transport systems through
improved data sharing, regional transport hubs, diversified transport corridors
and stronger partnerships between postal operators and airlines.
The UPU delegation also held
discussions with Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew
on practical opportunities for cooperation, including the possibility of
developing Addis Ababa as Africa’s first regional postal transport hub.
The proposal would provide a
potential foundation for strengthening cross-border postal exchanges and
improving the movement of parcels and e-commerce goods across African markets.
The workshop provided a
platform for postal operators, airlines and international postal institutions
to exchange experiences and consider solutions for creating more efficient,
resilient and connected transport networks.
The discussions come as the
rapid growth of e-commerce across Africa increases demand for reliable
cross-border logistics infrastructure and stronger integration between postal,
aviation and digital systems.
The UPU said continued
collaboration among postal operators, airlines, regional institutions and other
stakeholders will be essential to strengthening Africa’s postal transport
network and supporting the continent’s wider digital commerce and trade ambitions.
