Policy, regulatory framework reviews transform Postal operations

TANZANIA has transformed its Postal sector by introducing innovations, building infrastructure that promotes new services and enhancing safety measures.

The market-driven transformation responds to the rapid evolution of consumer needs and the imperative to remain competitive in changing markets.

The digitalisation and transformation of postal services have become vital priorities due to the expanding digital economy. Postal and courier operators worldwide are adopting new technologies to modernise and diversify their offerings in response to customer demands.

The Postal and courier market is moving from letters to goods and services. Advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their applications in the postal and courier services supply chain have offered operators opportunities to diversify their services.

They are harnessing the potential of electronic commerce, which allows consumers to purchase goods online and have them physically delivered to their residences and offices. Postal and courier services greatly contribute to Tanzania’s development agenda.

The country’s Policy and regulatory measures and frameworks have addressed most of the enabling factors for e-commerce. The growth of mobile communication, internet usage, social media, marketing opportunities and ease of transactions has pushed e-commerce in Tanzania.

ALSO READ: TZ rallies PAPU to embrace postal sector

Tanzania has the critical infrastructure and applications that promote high-speed internet services and sound payment and financial transaction systems —essential ecommerce prerequisites.

Tanzania has expanded infrastructure that empowers marginalised communities and stimulates local economies. The country has expanded coverage and penetration of third and fourth generations of mobile phone technologies – 3G and 4G. Three G had penetrated 91 per cent and four G 88 per cent of the population by December 2024. The geographical coverage was 75.1 and 73.8 per cent, respectively.

This has accelerated rural internet uptake. Goods and services can be electronically procured from underserved locations. Geographical coverage is enhanced by programmes implemented by the Universal Communications Access Fund (UCSAF). New technologies enable users to access data in remote locations.

These include Postal and courier service providers who use electronic devices such as portable personal digital assistants (PDAs), which facilitate the transfer of information from delivery points to postal operations systems. The country is also implementing a programme to provide formal addresses in all locations.

The transformative National Physical Addressing System (NAPS) provides residential areas and businesses with unique and verifiable addresses. This facilitates delivery, improves efficiency and reliability and builds trust in Postal and courier services. Before NAPS, postal deliveries in many parts of Tanzania relied heavily on landmarks, local knowledge, or informal directions. This led to delays, mail losses and delivery failures.

NAPS has been integrated with the delivery system of 18 institutions. These include the Tanzania Posts Corporation (TPC) and the Tanzania Communications Corporation (TTCL).

The latter provides five to the home internet, which provides high-speed internet in offices and residences. Besides improving lastmile deliveries, NAPS enables the government and its agencies to implement programmes and communicate efficiently with citizens. It enhances Safety, Security and Service Planning.

The formal addressing system supports emergency services (ambulance, police and fire). It helps in urban planning and the efficient delivery of social and economic services. By March 2025, NAPS had registered more than 12.8 million addresses in the country.

The system has managed to improve institutions’ service delivery across the country by integrating institutions’ delivery systems. Postal regulations were amended in 2024 to commercialise postcodes. There are now five postcode categories.

These are for Administrative Areas, post offices, big mailers, landmarks and temporary ones for special activities or events. The national postal operator – TPC – pursues new areas of growth and has diversified services. It has embraced innovative solutions systems that enhance efficiency, transparency and customer satisfaction.

The corporation has a digital platform designed to support postal operations in critical areas. These are revenue-capturing, real-time online tracking, streamlining mail delivery and ensuring control of service standards. Tanzania has secured its communications network.

In the postal sector, this entails protecting employees, assets and mail and parcels. It also includes ensuring the security of transportation and the overall supply chain. Postal regulations have clear guidelines on prohibited and restricted items to ensure safety, security and regulatory compliance.

Tanzania is first in East Africa, third in Africa and is among the world’s 46 leading countries in cybersecurity excellence, according to a recent assessment by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Tanzania has been given top-tier status and categorised as a role model due to its exemplary performance in the five pillars representing the country’s cybersecurity commitments.

The pillars are legal, technical, organisational, capacity development and cooperation measures. Legal measures address the laws and regulations on cybercrime and cybersecurity.

Tanzania is among the countries with personal data protection laws. Cybersecurity cuts across all sectors. The government implements a special programme that includes awareness and education campaigns on cybersecurity.