UPU'S FOURTH EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS
Tanzania Takes Part in UPU's Fourth Extraordinary Congress in Saudi Arabia to discuss global postal sector development and digital reforms. Minister Nape Nnauye leads the delegation, emphasizing Tanzania's commitment. Bilateral talks with Oman also address projects and digital connectivity.
The Minister of Information, Communications, and Information Technology, Honorable Nape Nnauye (MP), spearheaded a delegation from Tanzania to partake in the UPU Extraordinary Congress that took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from the 1st of October, 2023, to the 5th of October, 2023. This congress was meticulously arranged by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and saw the participation of 192 member nations of the UPU.
The purpose of this assembly was to involve private service providers in the Universal Postal Union to address issues related to the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in the provision and facilitation of postal services worldwide.
During the assembly, Hon. Nape stressed the significance of giving priority to the global expansion of the postal sector. He underscored Tanzania's commitment to improving the efficiency of postal services under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is also a staunch supporter of the ongoing digital reforms in the Tanzanian postal sector
Hon. Nape was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Information Technology, Mr. Mohammed Khamis Abdulla, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Communications, and Transport in Zanzibar, Ms. Khadija Khamis Rajab, along with officials from their respective ministries.
Additionally, the Tanzanian Postal Corporation and Oman Post seized the occasion to convene supplementary sessions, focusing on a spectrum of trade-related subjects. These deliberations encompassed the execution of the Trade Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that had been ratified by both nations and the progression of projects initiated in Tanzania during the year 2022. These initiatives are strategically devised to streamline and enhance the accessibility of postal services within Tanzania, Oman, and the East African Community (EAC) region.
Additionally, these two countries discussed ways to strengthen and develop cooperation in e-commerce to build infrastructure that facilitates the storage and distribution of goods, money transfers, postal services, and the joint printing of stamps.
Furthermore, discussions revolved around conducting a feasibility study for a strategic initiative aimed at streamlining online business connectivity. This initiative aims to establish a digital bridge from Tanzania to connect Oman with the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. In addition, deliberations encompassed the finalization of the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) pivotal Financial Inclusion System Cloud (IFS Cloud) project. This innovative project is poised to facilitate seamless money transfers between Tanzania and Oman via their extensive postal networks.
The Tanzanian Postal Corporation was well-represented at the event, with a delegation led by Retired Brigadier General Yohana Ocholla Mabongo, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was accompanied by a distinguished team that included Mr. Maharage Ally Chande, the Postmaster General, Mr. Arubee Ngaruka, Director of Postal Services, and Mr. Constantine Kasese, who holds the position of Director of E-commerce and Financial Services.