Zambia has taken another significant step toward modernising its postal and courier industry through the conclusion of nationwide stakeholder consultations on the proposed Postal and Courier Services Bill, 2026. The final consultation took place in Lusaka and was convened by the Ministry of Technology and Science in collaboration with the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority, commonly known as ZICTA. The meeting brought together representatives from government institutions, regulatory bodies, postal and courier operators, consumer organisations, civil society, development partners and the private sector to provide input on the proposed legislation. The Lusaka gathering marked the end of a consultation process that had been conducted across all ten provinces, ensuring that stakeholders from different parts of the country had an opportunity to contribute their views. The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to creating a legal framework that responds to technological change while supporting economic development and improving service delivery across Zambia.
The proposed Postal and Courier Services Bill, 2026 seeks to repeal and replace the Postal Services Act No. 22 of 2009, which has governed the sector for more than a decade. During that time, the postal and courier industry has experienced dramatic changes driven by advances in technology, increased internet access, the rapid growth of e-commerce, digital financial services and modern logistics systems. Traditional postal services are no longer limited to delivering letters and parcels, as they now play an essential role in supporting businesses, online shopping, financial inclusion and government service delivery. The Government believes that the current legislation no longer adequately addresses these developments or the changing expectations of consumers and businesses. As a result, the proposed Bill is intended to establish a modern legal and regulatory framework that promotes innovation, efficiency, consumer protection, fair competition and universal access to quality postal and courier services throughout Zambia.
Representing Permanent Secretary Dr Brilliant Habeenzu, the Ministry’s Director of Planning and Information, Mr. Derick Saboi, described the Lusaka consultation as the culmination of an extensive nationwide engagement process. He acknowledged the valuable contributions made by stakeholders throughout the consultations and stressed that their recommendations would play an important role in shaping legislation that will guide the country’s postal and courier sector for many years. Mr. Saboi explained that stakeholder participation was essential because the legislation would have long term implications for businesses, consumers and government institutions alike. He encouraged participants to provide practical recommendations that reflected both provincial experiences and national development priorities. According to him, the consultation process was more than a legal requirement because it represented an opportunity for citizens and industry stakeholders to influence policies that will strengthen the country’s digital economy.
Mr. Saboi highlighted how the postal and courier industry has evolved into an important contributor to national development. He explained that beyond delivering mail, the sector now supports communication, trade, logistics, e-commerce and financial inclusion while creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes. As online commerce continues to expand, reliable courier services have become increasingly important for connecting consumers with businesses across the country. He noted that efficient postal infrastructure also contributes to government service delivery by improving access to essential services and information. These developments demonstrate why Zambia requires legislation that reflects current realities instead of relying on laws developed before many of today’s technological advancements became widespread.
The Ministry also outlined several challenges that continue to affect the postal and courier sector. Among the key concerns are limited connectivity in rural post offices, inadequate postal infrastructure, weak national addressing systems, low participation in e-commerce and unequal access to courier services across different regions. These issues have affected service delivery, particularly in underserved communities where reliable postal and courier services remain limited. The Government believes that addressing these challenges requires comprehensive reforms supported by an updated legal framework. Improving digital inclusion and expanding access to reliable services are expected to benefit individuals, businesses and public institutions while contributing to broader economic growth.
According to Mr. Saboi, the proposed Postal and Courier Services Bill introduces several important reforms designed to modernise the sector. The legislation seeks to strengthen universal service obligations, improve consumer protection, enhance postal security, modernise licensing requirements and reinforce ZICTA’s regulatory oversight. Another significant feature of the Bill is the establishment of mechanisms that will support the expansion of services into underserved and commercially unviable areas through the Universal Access and Service Development Fund. These measures are intended to reduce service disparities between urban and rural communities while ensuring that more Zambians have access to reliable postal and courier services. The reforms also aim to encourage greater investment, stimulate competition and create an environment that supports innovation throughout the industry.
Mr. Saboi further explained that the proposed legislation is closely aligned with Zambia’s Vision 2030, the Eighth National Development Plan and the Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. These national development strategies recognise digital transformation as an important driver of economic growth, improved public services and increased competitiveness. Modernising the postal and courier sector forms part of these broader national objectives because efficient logistics and communication systems are essential for supporting digital commerce and expanding access to economic opportunities. A stronger legal framework is expected to improve investor confidence while encouraging the development of new technologies and business models within the industry. The reforms also seek to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach communities across the country regardless of their geographical location.
Speaking during the consultation, Acting ZICTA Director General Mr. Collins Chomba welcomed the participation of representatives from government ministries, regulatory institutions, postal and courier operators, consumer organisations, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector. He noted that the diversity of expertise present at the consultation would help ensure that the proposed legislation responds effectively to the changing needs of the sector. Mr. Chomba observed that the postal and courier industry has undergone substantial transformation since the current law was enacted in 2009. He explained that the sector has become an essential component of Zambia’s national logistics ecosystem by supporting digital trade, financial services, government operations and the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises. These developments, he said, reinforce the importance of establishing legislation that reflects modern industry realities.
Mr. Chomba also emphasised that rapid technological innovation, evolving business models and changing consumer expectations have created an urgent need for a responsive legal and regulatory framework. He encouraged stakeholders to engage openly by identifying regulatory gaps, implementation challenges and practical policy solutions that could strengthen the proposed Bill. Participants were invited to provide recommendations that would improve consumer protection, encourage investment, promote fair competition and expand universal access to postal and courier services throughout Zambia. He acknowledged that differing opinions were both expected and valuable during the consultation process because constructive debate often leads to stronger legislation. At the same time, he encouraged all participants to remain focused on developing balanced and sustainable solutions that serve the interests of consumers, businesses and the country as a whole.
The nationwide consultations demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Postal and Courier Services Bill, 2026 reflects the needs and expectations of all stakeholders before it is presented for enactment. The process has provided a platform for meaningful dialogue between policymakers, regulators, industry operators and citizens while encouraging collaborative problem solving. By replacing outdated legislation with a modern legal framework, Zambia aims to create a postal and courier sector that is more efficient, innovative, inclusive and capable of supporting the country’s growing digital economy. The proposed reforms have the potential to improve service delivery, strengthen consumer confidence, increase investment and expand access to essential services across both urban and rural communities. As the consultation process concludes, the recommendations gathered from stakeholders are expected to play a vital role in shaping legislation that supports Zambia’s long term development goals and builds a stronger, more connected future for all citizens.