(Ecofin Agency) - The digital transformation prompted by the coronavirus pandemic boosted demand for postal services, notably with growing e-commerce activities. To keep up with the demand, African countries are exploring collaboration opportunities.  

Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) and Somaliland Postal Services signed, last week, a memorandum of understanding to exchange information and cooperate for international mail processing and delivery.  The memorandum was signed in Nairobi during a ceremony attended by Joe Mucheru, Kenya's Minister of Information and Communication Technology, and Sharmake Gele, Somaliland's Deputy Ambassador to Kenya.

The agreement notably includes collaboration in areas such as outbound and cross-border mail and parcels processing, electronic data interchange, the creation of joint ventures, parcel and mail delivery and transportation, exchange programs, and inbound mail processing. Mail and parcel sorting centers will also be created under the MoU. 

“Kenya fully supports the integration of countries in the East Africa region, now with a population bigger than Europe. This MoU will go a long way in cementing postal services integration in the region,” commented Minister Mucheru. For  Mr. Gele,  the memorandum will enable Kenya to provide Somaliland with a string gateway for international connectivity. 

The partnership is part of Postal Corporation of Kenya's ambition to extend its reach to other East African countries amid the growing demand for postal services and the outstanding growth in the e-commerce industry. 

In that regard, the state postal company has been securing strategic partnerships for years now. In October 2021, PCK secured KSh72 million (US$618,000) from TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) to enhance its digital services to be able to effectively support e-commerce in the East African region. 

Isaac K. Kassouwi