from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA has invited members of the public to make submissions as it reviews the Postal Services Act to align the regulation of postal and courier services with prevailing technology trends.
These services are regulated under the Act, which was promulgated in 2009. The Act also provides for the continuation of the Postal Services Corporation and the operation of postal banking and financial services.
The Ministry of Technology and Science noted that Cabinet, at its 17th meeting held in September 2025, approved, in principle, the review of the Act in order to broaden and align it with industry evolution.
“As part of the review process, Government, through the Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS), wishes to undertake wide consultation on the Act with members of the public and all relevant stakeholders,” the ministry stated.
“Therefore, MoTS seeks the views of the general public and stakeholders relating to the review of the Act, including proposals for amendment and justification for the proposals,” it added.
Comments should be submitted on or before July 27.
The call for submissions from the public follows the conclusion, on Wednesday, of nationwide stakeholder consultations on the Postal and Courier Services Bill to pave the way for the repeal and replacement of the Postal Services Act No. 22.
The exercise concluded in the capital, Lusaka.
Derick Saboi, Ministerial Director of Planning and Information, said the postal and courier industry had evolved significantly beyond the traditional delivery of letters and parcels and now served as a key driver of communication, trade, e-commerce, logistics, financial inclusion and national development.
“The existing Postal Services Act No. 22 of 2009 no longer adequately addresses emerging technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, digital commerce and modern service delivery models,” he said.
The consultations, held across all ten provinces, were conducted in collaboration with the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA).
While the current Act helped facilitate services such as agency banking, the rise of digital alternatives, mobile money and e-commerce has put pressure on traditional postal operations to innovate.
Research indicates that limited service innovation and the need for greater digital integration persist for operators such as ZamPost, whose historical roots date back to 1896.
– CAJ News