"Maximizing the role of postal services"

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

Postal administrators in the sub-region were encouraged to take advantage of their vast distribution networks and maximize their front office role for government services and broader financial services . Ekuful, Minister of Communications, who telephoned the West African Postal Conference yesterday in Accra on the theme: "Strengthening regional integration through digitization: the role of Posts".

She added that since the largest post offices in urban cities, post offices are an essential interface for citizens and are part of the fabric of many communities.

"Considering the future and implementing more sustainable business delivery models, post offices can increase their revenues. financial services, including personal loans, credit cards, savings and insurance products. "

She also said with the right investment in I Communication technologies (ICTs), human resources and infrastructure, effective regional integration, favorable policies and regulations, services in the region could effectively navigate the digital transformation and not only survive in the emerging landscape of e-commerce, but thrive by continually innovating "In 2016, the global digital economy was worth $ 11.5 trillion or 15.5 % of global GDP and McKinsey estimates that the Internet could contribute $ 300 billion to Africa's GDP by 2025. The digital revolution is a phenomenal opportunity for Africa and the United States. said that Africa had outstripped the rest of the world to become a leading mobile market and that Internet penetration was increasing and consumers were becoming more and more mobile. more comfortable to buy online, the African e-commerce market is expected to reach $ 50. billion and 75 billion dollars a year over the next 5 to 10 years according to the Economist Intell "With extensive national networks and experience in last-mile delivery, postal services have a unique opportunity to meet their needs." badociate with this e-commerce revolution and create new sources of income, "she said. Things, the blockchain, cloud computing, 3D printing, big data and drones could play an increasingly important role in the postal sector. "

By Samuel Boadi