Speaking at the opening ceremony for a high-level forum on financial inclusion and regional integration in Arusha, Tanzania, the Universal Postal Union’s Director General, Bishar A. Hussein, warmly praised the Pan-African Postal Union (PAPU) for its leadership of African posts.
“PAPU has always been UPU’s staunch partner with whom we have worked on various projects for the benefit of the African post. I also acknowledge the unstinting support for UPU by PAPU member countries,” he informed the audience.
Mr Hussein offered a special thanks to the PAPU Secretary General, Younouss Djibrine, for his inspired and energetic leadership of the organization, which will celebrate its fortieth anniversary on 18 January.
Turning to the subject of financial inclusion, the UPU Chief noted that Africa faced challenges in delivering affordable and inclusive financial services to consumers. “While we have made remarkable progress over the last decade, there are still pockets of underserved population, especially in rural areas and communities that are difficult to reach,” he said.
On regional integration, Mr Hussein acknowledged the role of the African Union in setting the 2063 Agenda and said the postal sector has a role to play in making integration a reality for the continent.
The UPU Director General also highlighted UPU’s relationship with other organizations. “UPU, within the framework of the Regional Development Plan for Africa, works closely with regional players including AU, PAPU and other international organizations,” he said.
On the subject of UPU reform of the complex system of remuneration rates, agreed at the third Extraordinary Congress in Geneva in late 2019, Mr Hussein thanked UPU members and described the decision as historic.
In a workshop titled, The Post: A veritable partner for financial inclusion and regional integration, held in the afternoon, the UPU Director General said, “We remain committed to help achieve the vision set forth by the AU and PAPU to increase inclusive financial services through the Postal network in Africa.”
The opening ceremony was also attended by Mr Isack A. Kamwelwe, Minister for Works, Transport and Communications; the PAPU Secretary General, Mr. Younouss Djibrine; Postmaster General of the Tanzania Posts Corporation, Mr Hassan Mwang'ombe, the Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority Mr James Kilaba, as well as representatives of African postal operators and other invited guests.