English
French
CONCEPT NOTE:
PAPU TOWER COMMISSIONING AND POSTAL DIALOGUE PROGRAMME
THEME:
PAPU TOWER, Inspiring the African Postal Sector Transformation to Anchor Digital and Smart Economies.
A. BACKGROUND
The Pan African Postal Union (PAPU), a specialized agency of the African Union responsible for the coordination and development of postal services in Africa will convene its 41st Ordinary Session of the Administrative Council back-to-back with the Commissioning of the iconic PAPU Building called the “PAPU Tower” on 02 September 2023. The PAPU Tower is the new 17-Storey Headquarters for Africa’s Postal Continental body, which is a joint venture project between PAPU and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, represented by Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) where financing is 60% by PAPU and 40% by TCRA.
The Commissioning Programme, has rich a variety of dialogue activities for Operators, Regulators and Ministers which will be held on 31st August and 01st September 2023 under the theme: “PAPU TOWER: Inspiring African Postal sector transformation to anchor digital and smart economies.” The Programme will culminate in the landmark Inauguration of the PAPU Tower on 02 September 2023 which will be presided over by the distinguished patronage of the Head of State of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
B. POSTAL BUSINESS DIALOGUE FOR OPERATORS, REGULATORS & PARTNERS (28TH AUGUST 2023)
1. INTRODUCTION
The Postal Business Forum for CEOs/PMGs of Designated Operators and Directors General of Regulatory Authorities will be on 31st August 2023 to discuss pertinent issues affecting the postal sector. This event will offer an opportunity for Postal Operators and Regulators to share their strategies on the desired transformation of the Post in the digital era as an engine for economic growth. They will also engage Partners on the possible collaborations with the Post in service delivery and innovative solutions for various postal business segments, including e-commerce, e-government, e-health, philately and others.
2. POSTAL BUSINESS DIALOGUE OBJECTIVES
Deriving from the above background, the objectives of the Postal Business Dialogue are to:
a) Share insights into the African Postal Strategy and implementation;
b) Share how digital transformation has reshaped the business model in readiness to deliver digital services across the spectrum;
c) Unveil and discuss the essential digital tools deployed in the industry and their impact;
d) Share the strategies and/or tactics for migrating traditional services to digital platforms;
e) Assess how well is the immovable assets infrastructure utilized and how can it be used to support the new digital postal model;
f) Discuss on how to maintain a balanced product portfolio, which is essential for keeping postal revenues flowing in;
g) Interrogate and share regulatory initiatives and practices in line with digital transformation.
3. TARGET GROUP
In addition to Operators, Regulators and Partners, the Postal Business Dialogue will be an interactive session with a wider audience, including Senior Government Officials and other Stakeholders. 4. POSTAL BUSINESS DIALOGUE STRUCTURE AND FORMAT The physical participation is highly encouraged although the Dialogue will have provision for a hybrid format for remote participation.
The Dialogue will be held within one day in the form of three moderated segments with sub-themes where a Presenter will make a 10-minute intervention followed by a Panel Discussion as follows:
4.1 PANEL 1 SUB-THEME: RETHINKING THE POSTAL BUSINESS MODEL IN THE DIGITAL ERA
a) Digitalization is no longer an option for the Post, but a “MUST”. What is the national strategic plan to realign the Post and anchor it as a key player in today’s digitally-driven economy?
b) What are the essential digital tools deployed and their impact so far?
c) Experience sharing on successful tactics for transitioning from traditional services to digital service platforms.
4.2 PANEL 2 SUB-THEME: OPTIMIZING POSTAL INFRASTRUCTURE VIA INNOVATION AND DIVERSIFICATION
a) What is the current state of postal infrastructure (coverage, facilities, services, etc…)?
b) What actions are needed to improve it to drive the new digitally-driven postal model (success stories, failures, etc.)?
c) Possible financial/technical assistance mechanisms for infrastructure development (PPPs, innovative financing arrangements, etc…).
4.3 PANEL 3 SUB-THEME: BALANCING THE PRODUCT/SERVICE PORTFOLIO TO ENHANCE BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY
a) How to expand postal revenue streams through an innovative, diversified and balanced service/product portfolio?
b) What could be proposed for business continuity in the industry…….?
5. DATE AND VENUE
The Postal Business Dialogue will be held in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania on 31st August 2023, at the New PAPU TOWER.
6. INTERPRETATION
Simultaneous interpretation in French and English languages will be provided.
C. MINISTERIAL BUSINESS ROUND – TABLE – (01 SEPTEMBER 2023)
1. INTRODUCTION
The Ministerial Business Round-table will be held on 01st September 2023 to discuss the African Posts’ essential role in the emerging digitally-driven dispensation across the continent. During this event, Honourable Ministers responsible for the Post in Africa will get an opportunity to interact amongst themselves and share their vision on the desired strategic re-alignment of the Post in the digital era as an engine for economic growth and an ingredient for socio-economic development.
2. ROUNDTABLE OBJECTIVES
In view of the forgoing, the objectives of the Ministerial Round-Table are to:
a) Strengthen the political will and leadership to enhance the contribution of the Post to the implementation and attainment of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive socio-economic development;
b) Highlight and identify critical challenges and opportunities for the transformation of the Post in Africa to ensure its sustainability and positive contribution to socio-economic development;
c) Share national experiences and good practices on Postal Laws, Policies, Regulations and Initiatives that contribute to Regional and Global Integration of postal networks;
d) Unpack investment opportunities to introduce or increase private equity in the postal sector in Africa;
e) Interact with Postal Partners and exchange views on sustainability, innovation and technology infusion in the Postal sector.;
f) Share Policy options for Public-Private-Partnership and how the postal infrastructure can be optimally utilized.
3. TARGET GROUP
The Roundtable will therefore be an interactive dialogue with a wider audience, including Ministers in Charge of the Post, Senior Government Officials from the Postal Industry, Partners and other Stakeholders.
4. MINISTERIAL BUSINESS ROUND-TABLE STRUCTURE AND FORMAT
Physical participation is highly encouraged although the Roundtable will have provision for a hybrid format for remote participation.
The Round-Table will be held within one day in the form of moderated segments with focus areas or sub-themes where a Theme Leader will make a 10-minute presentation followed by a Panel Discussion as indicated below:
4.1 PANEL 1 SUB THEME: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE POSTAL SECTOR IN AFRICA
a) What are the Government options for re-capitalization of the Postal Sector?
b) How can Public-Private Partnerships close the investment gap in the Postal sector?
4.2 PANEL 2 SUB-THEME: TRANSFORMING THE POST IN AFRICA FOR SUSTAINABILITY
a) How can Innovation and Digital transformation be facilitated in the Postal Sector?
b) What needs to be done for trade facilitation to boost cross border e-commerce?
c) How do Posts in Africa support AfCFTA initiatives and grow their volumes?
d) Emergence of Digital Economies present huge opportunities for the Post. Are the Post ready for it?
4.3 PANEL 3 SUB-THEME: THE POST AND INCLUSIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA
a) How well is the Post geared for E-Government?
b) How can Universal Service Obligation (USO) be met without bleeding the Post?
c) What plans are in place to foster provision of E-services: E-Agriculture, E-Health, E-Education etc. to the last mile;
d) The Post has a role in Financial Inclusion. How can the policy environment be improved to boost this role which is key in alleviating poverty in Africa? NB: The detailed Round Table Programme, which includes Moderators and Panelists among other details, will be prepared and circulated in due course.
5. DATE AND VENUE
The Round-table will be held in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania on 01st September 2023, at the New PAPU TOWER.
6. INTERPRETATION
Simultaneous interpretation in French and English languages will be provided.
D. COMMISSIONING OF THE NEW PAPU TOWER (02 SEPTEMBER 2023)
1. INTRODUCTION
The PAPU iconic edifice that will be inaugurated by the President, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in the presence of an African and International dignitaries epitomizes the postal sector’s determination to contribute to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 of creating “The Africa We Want,” which calls for “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own Citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.” Enthused by this noble aspiration, the PAPU Tower, a brainchild of Africa’s Postal Community, under the enlightened guidance of Member States’ Ministers responsible for the Post, is grounded on the firm desire for a modernized, transformed and digitally enabled African Post that has an essential role in the emerging digitally-driven dispensation across the African continent. The Postal Sector is keen to contribute to the attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive socio-economic development.
2. TARGET GROUP
The Inauguration Ceremony, will be attended by VVIPs, including other African Heads of State, Ambassadors accredited to the United Republic of Tanzania, Ministers in Charge of Posts in Africa, Plenipotentiaries, Dignitaries from the African Union Commission, Universal Postal Union, PAPU Associate Members, Heads of United Nations Agencies, Partners and Friends of the African Post.
3. INAGURATION PROGRAMME AND FORMAT
The Inauguration activities will include;
• Keynote Address by Her Excellency, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan;
• Speeches by Host Government Ministers;
• Speeches by Chairman of the PAPU Plenipotentiary Conference and the PAPU Secretary General;
• Solidarity Messages from African Union Commission and UPU Director General;
• Honoring and Special Mention/Acknowledgement of Donors and Sponsors;
• Launch of PAPU TOWER Commissioning Commemorative Stamps;
• Tour of the building by Guest of Honour and VVIP Dignitaries;
• Unveiling of building plaque and cutting of ribbon to signify the official launch.
4. DATE AND VENUE
The Commissioning of the PAPU TOWER will be held in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, on 02 September 2023.
5. INTERPRETATION
Simultaneous interpretation in French and English languages will be provided.
Download concept note document