As Africa embraces the new era of digital transformation, various industries, including the postal sector, are preparing for the transition into the digital landscape. Recently, BotswanaPost hosted the 2024 Universal Postal Union (UPU) Regional Project on Operational Efficiency and E-Commerce Development workshop. This event aimed to review the progress on the Operational Readiness for E-Commerce Development (ORE) initiative.

Key discussions included Africa�s preparedness for the Digital Era and how the postal industry can contribute to tangible outcomes in digital transformation for economic development across the continent and region.

The ORE project, launched in 2017, aims to enhance postal delivery performance by modernizing operational processes and utilizing standardized IT tools and systems that comply with regulatory, operational, and technical requirements.

The Communications Regulators� Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) is leading this project, supporting SADC�s agenda of preparing its Member States for the digital transition.

During the workshop, CRASA Executive Secretary Bridget Linzie emphasized the need for innovative regulation to create an enabling environment for digital transformation, which will drive efficiency, innovation, and growth in SADC markets.

�CRASA recognizes the need for harmonized, innovative, and agile regulation that accommodates digital services, including online tracking, electronic billing, and digital mailboxes,� Linzie stated.

She highlighted that CRASA has been discussing harmonized licensing approaches to lay the foundations for innovative regulation, fostering competition, service quality, and technological innovation to meet postal consumer expectations.

To ensure licensing regulations promote market access rather than creating barriers, CRASA has agreed on coordinated incentives to promote cross-border collaboration through regulatory intervention and incentives within the SADC region. This aims to encourage partnerships between courier service providers in different SADC countries.

To further facilitate cross-border collaboration, CRASA is exploring the possibility of establishing a regional license for Courier Services.

�We believe that with postal regulations that establish technical standards and interoperability requirements for digital postal systems, we can ensure compatibility between various systems and facilitate data exchange between postal operators and other critical stakeholders in the supply chain,� Linzie said.

She also highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks addressing cross-border digital services, including international parcel tracking and electronic customs declarations.

Recognizing the importance of data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity, CRASA is also seeking postal regulations aligned with these laws to build consumer trust in digital postal services.