Tanzania is pushing fellow East African Community members to invest in digital systems, transport networks and regional coordination to support e-commerce growth and improve postal efficiency. Speaking at the Fifth East African Postal and Courier Forum in Arusha, Deputy Minister for Communication and Information Technology Dr Switbert Mkama said reliable delivery systems, digital payment access and transparent pricing were essential as online shopping expands across the region. He called for member states to build interoperable payment systems, standardise technology and strengthen professional training for postal workers.
Tanzania has already made progress on its own digital infrastructure. The Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) said 4G mobile coverage reached 94 per cent of the population by June 2026, creating a foundation for digital services. The fund has distributed over 500 digital devices for parcel delivery, supplied 100 computers to rural post offices and provided 50 handheld scanning machines for front-desk operations. For the 2026/2027 financial year, UCSAF plans to build 31 new rural post office buildings.
Arusha Region has been selected as a pilot area for digital postal services in Tanzania. The region's commissioner said the initiative will transform post offices into modern centres offering e-commerce, digital payments, government services and delivery systems to citizens and businesses.