The Mozambican postal sector is set to modernize and formalize its operations to tackle the challenges of informal activities and improve services. The first Postal Operators Forum, held in Maputo on October 9, brought together licensed operators to discuss the transformation digital and growing e-commerce. The forum aimed to strengthen cooperation between operators and regulators. There are currently 38 licensed postal operators in Mozambique.
Massingue Apala, INCM's executive administrator, emphasized that modernizing the postal sector requires investments in technology, improved geographic coverage, and better articulation between operators. This would enable the sector to respond to e-commerce demands and consumer needs. The evolution of the postal market represents an opportunity to strengthen logistics chains and expand access to services.
Apala highlighted INCM's efforts to modernize the regulatory framework, including the approval of the Postal Sector Development Strategy and Postal Security Regulation. However, he stressed that the sector's transformation depends on effective implementation and operator commitment. A good regulatory framework alone does not transform a sector; its implementation and stakeholder commitment are crucial.
Euclides dos Santos, head of INCM's Postal Department, identified informality as a major obstacle to market organization. He clarified that licensed digital platforms do not exempt individual providers from obtaining licenses to operate postal services. The forum aimed to sensitize operators to the importance of formalization and encourage the creation of an association to promote cooperation and joint solutions.
Nuno Rangel, executive director of Rangel Logistics Solutions, emphasized the importance of information throughout the distribution chain. He stated that consumer trust depends on the ability to track packages and know delivery times. Digital systems enable tracking and provide information on distribution stages.
Dário Nuvunga, representative of Portador Diário, identified insufficient investment as a barrier to innovation and logistics integration with e-commerce platforms. He advocated for financing mechanisms to accelerate technological project implementation. Nuvunga also suggested greater technological integration between operators, particularly in sharing information on package tracking and service coverage.
The possibility of creating an Association of Mozambican Postal Operators was also discussed. The initiative aims to promote permanent dialogue, facilitate experience sharing, and strengthen operator participation in finding sector solutions. The creation of a common tracking platform could facilitate partnerships and improve postal distribution efficiency.
Key points
- Informal activities in Mozambique's postal sector must be tackled through formalization and regulation.
- Modernization of the postal sector requires investments in technology and improved cooperation between operators.
- Creation of an association of postal operators could promote cooperation and improve sector efficiency.
