Uganda is set to host the 11th Ordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference of the Pan-African Postal Union (PAPU), bringing together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across the continent to chart the future of Africa’s postal and logistics sector.

This high-level conference will take place from 16^th – 28^th March 2026, at Serena Golf Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The PAPU meeting represents the union’s highest decision-making forum, where member states set policy priorities and strategic direction for Africa’s postal industry.

According to Ibrahim Bbosa, Head of Public and International Relations at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the conference will focus on modernizing postal services to meet the demands of an increasingly digital economy.

Bbosa also revealed that key discussions will revolve around e-commerce logistics, financial inclusion, digital tracking systems, and cross-border coordination across Africa’s postal networks.

“The world has gone digital, and postal services must evolve beyond traditional letter delivery. Today, when someone sends or orders an item, it should be easily trackable because digitization is key to the sector’s success,” Bbosa said.

He noted that postal networks continue to play an important role in many communities where access to traditional banking and digital infrastructure remains limited.

In many areas, post offices are increasingly supporting services such as mobile money transactions, parcel delivery, and logistics support for online trade.

Meanwhile, Jessica Hope Ssengooba, Secretary General of the Pan-African Postal Union, emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among African countries to modernize the continent’s postal systems.

She mentioned that regional coordination will be key to building a more resilient and inclusive postal sector.

“Africa needs a postal sector that supports innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development, so we must strengthen regional cooperation and technical coordination because our countries operate in different environments,’’ the Secretary General of the Pan-African Postal Union stated.

Ssengooba added that building a more resilient and interconnected postal network will be crucial in supporting trade, digital communication, and economic growth across the continent.

The conference is also expected to explore how postal operators can contribute to broader digital transformation efforts across African economies, particularly as online commerce and digital services continue to expand.

Across Africa, postal operators are rapidly adapting to technological changes as online commerce and digital services continue to expand. Uganda’s Vision 2040 digital transformation agenda aligns with these developments.

The country currently boasts over 5,000 kilometers of fiber infrastructure and internet penetration estimated at around 70 percent, reflecting increasing demand for modern logistics systems and digital communication services.

By hosting the continental conference, Uganda is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of Africa’s postal and logistics industry in the digital era.