As Africa joins the rest of the world in the new era of digital transformation, various industries are shaping up for the transition into the digital landscape, the postal industry included. BotswanaPost recently hosted the 2024 Universal Postal Union (UPU) Regional Project on Operational Efficiency and E-Commerce Development workshop which sought to review progress on the formulation and implementation of the Operational Readiness for E-Commerce Development (ORE).
Among the topics discussed was Africa’s readiness for the Digital Era, and how the postal industry can contribute towards tangible outcomes in digital transformation for economic development for our continent and region.
The Operational Readiness for E-Commerce (ORE) project started in 2017, and its main objective is to enhance the delivery performance of postal networks by modernising operational
processes and utilising standardised IT tools and systems that align with regulatory, operational and technical requirements.
The Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) is at the forefront of this project, in support of SADC’s agenda of accompanying its Member States in the preparation, transitioning and change to the digital landscape.
During the workshop, The Executive Secretary of CRASA Bridget Linzie cited the need for innovative regulation to create an enabling environment for the digital transformation which will drive SADC markets efficiency, innovation and growth.
“Recognition has been made by CRASA to allow for harmonised, innovative and agile regulation that accommodates digital services including online tracking, electronic billing and even digital mailboxes.”
She pointed out that CRASA has already been discussing the harmonised approaches to licensing to provide foundations for innovative regulation, shaping competition, quality of service and technological innovation to meet the postal consumer expectations.
To ensure that licensing regulations promote market access as opposed to creating barriers to entry, CRASA has agreed to coordinated incentives which promote cross- border collaboration through introduction of regulatory intervention and incentives in the SADC region. This is to encourage and facilitate cross-border collaboration and partnerships between courier service
providers based in different SADC countries.
To further allow and achieve this cross border collaboration, CRASA is looking into the possibility of establishing a regional licence for Courier Services.
“We trust that with postal regulations that can establish technical standards and interoperability requirements for postal digital systems, we can ensure compatibility between the various systems and facilitate data exchange between postal operators and other critical stakeholders
in the supply chain.”
Linzie further highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks that address cross-border
digital services including international parcel tracking or electronic customs declarations.
Recognising the importance of adherence to data protection, privacy and cyber security
Laws, CRASA is also seeking postal regulation that is aligned to data protection, privacy and cyber security laws to build consumer trust in the digital postal services.
