Govt flags limited connectivity, inadequate infrastructure as key challenges in postal and courier sector

Limited connectivity in rural post offices, inadequate infrastructure, low participation in e-commerce, and unequal access to courier services as some of the major challenges facing Zambia’s postal and courier sector, authorities have said. Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu said the challenges demonstrated the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to enhance service delivery, expand digital inclusion and improve access to essential services across the country.

The concerns were raised during the Lusaka Provincial Stakeholder Consultation on the proposed Postal and Courier Services Bill, 2026, held on Wednesday in collaboration with the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA). The Lusaka meeting marked the conclusion of nationwide consultations conducted across all ten provinces to gather stakeholder views on the proposed repeal and replacement of the Postal Services Act No. 22 of 2009.

Habeenzu said the consultations formed part of Government’s commitment to modernising the sector in response to rapid technological advancements, the growth of e-commerce, digital financial services, and integrated logistics. “The postal and courier industry has evolved significantly beyond the traditional delivery of letters and parcels and now serves as a key driver of communication, trade, e-commerce, logistics, financial inclusion and national development,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry Director Planning and Information, Derick Saboi. He noted that the existing Postal Services Act No.

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22 of 2009 no longer adequately addressed emerging technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, digital commerce and modern service delivery models. “This is while supporting the aspirations of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), Vision 2030, and the Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda,” Habeenzu said. “The Bill introduces key reforms aimed at strengthening universal service obligations, improving consumer protection, enhancing postal security, modernising licensing requirements and reinforcing ZICTA’s regulatory oversight,” he added.

Habeenzu further said the proposed legislation also established mechanisms to support service expansion into underserved and commercially unviable areas through the Universal Access and Service Development Fund. He emphasised that the Ministry highly valued stakeholders’ contributions, stating that their recommendations would play a critical role in shaping legislation that will govern Zambia’s postal and courier sector for many years to come. “The consultation was not merely a procedural requirement but an important opportunity for stakeholders to shape legislation that will support innovation, investment, competition and inclusive economic growth,” he said. Acting ZICTA Director General Collins Chomba said the diverse expertise represented at the consultation was essential in developing legislation that responds to the evolving needs of the sector.

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