Parcel services have become the primary driver of growth in the postal industry, offsetting the decline in traditional mail volumes as digital advancements reshape the sector.
Speaking at the recently held Southern African Postal Operators Association (SAPOA) Postal Forum, NamPost CEO Festus Hangula highlighted the shift, noting that while traditional mail volumes have decreased, parcel services are experiencing an unprecedented surge.
“Perhaps more importantly, the digital capabilities that fan the fire that is destroying paper mail have also given rise to parcel business which, I think, is growing at a very fast pace,” Hangula said.
He called for strategic reforms, urging postal operators to adapt operationally and policymakers to support the sector’s commercial growth.
“The logistics industry will not wait for us to get our ducks in a row. We must claim our position as the best logistics operators in this fast-growing market,” he added.
Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua also spoke at the event, commending NamPost for its strategic investments in last-mile delivery, e-commerce logistics, and technological innovation, positioning it as one of Africa’s leading postal operators.
She emphasized the critical role postal networks play in enabling businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to access digital markets.
“They are the silent enablers, ensuring that goods, services, and information traverse borders and reach consumers with efficiency and reliability. The postal network is not merely a delivery service, but it is a critical infrastructure that binds communities together and fosters economic growth,” Nghikembua said.
Despite these opportunities, the sector faces challenges. Nghikembua reaffirmed CRAN’s commitment to reforming regulatory frameworks to foster innovation, ensure fair competition, and expand postal services to underserved areas.
“The postal sector is not just about delivering packages, it is about delivering possibilities, connecting people, and empowering economies,” she said.
