Technopost Africa, opening today in Tunis, will focus on the role of modern technology in building more modern, prosperous Posts for Africa.
Hosted this year by La Poste Tunisienne, in conjunction with the Universal Postal Union and the International Telecommunication Union, this international conference will bring together the heads of a number of African Posts, along with numerous postal sector experts and partners from all over the world.
Participants will learn how to incorporate information and communication technologies (ICT) into their production chain, from sender through to addressee, via customs and carriers.
Technopost Africa is also a key event for experts from across the continent wishing to share best practices in the use of ICT and the development of e-commerce in African Posts, especially in rural areas.
In addition, Technopost Africa will feature an exhibition of technological solutions and applications linked to postal and financial activities, developed by private sector operators working in the ICT field.
The UPU encourages events of this kind, which are all the more valuable in the context of an economic crisis, with the postal sector being encouraged to embrace innovation and set an example for others. "Providing access to new technologies for all, without discrimination… that is the UPU's firm commitment" says Abdel Ilah Bousseta, the UPU's Director of Development Cooperation.
This year's Technopost Africa runs over three days. The Tunisian Post is active in the development of new electronic services and other innovations, and Tunisia is also home to the UPU's regional support centre, which implements technological solutions for the Arab countries.