The proposed bill is intended to establish a modern legal and regulatory framework that responds to rapid technological advancements, the growth of e-commerce, digital financial services and integrated logistics.
The Zambian Ministry of Technology and Science, in partnership with the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), has concluded nationwide stakeholder consultations on the proposed Postal and Courier Services Bill, 2026, with the final provincial meeting held in Lusaka. The consultations, conducted across all ten provinces, sought stakeholder input on plans to repeal and replace the Postal Services Act No. 22 of 2009 with legislation designed to modernize the country’s postal and courier sector.
The proposed bill is intended to establish a modern legal and regulatory framework that responds to rapid technological advancements, the growth of e-commerce, digital financial services and integrated logistics. The legislation aims to improve efficiency, encourage innovation, strengthen consumer protection, promote fair competition and ensure universal access to quality postal and courier services, while supporting Zambia’s Vision 2030, the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Director of Planning and Information at the Ministry of Technology and Science, Derick Saboi, said the Lusaka meeting marked the culmination of the nationwide consultation process and emphasized that stakeholder recommendations would play a critical role in shaping legislation that will govern Zambia’s postal and courier sector for years to come.
Saboi noted that the postal and courier industry has evolved beyond traditional mail delivery to become a key enabler of communication, trade, e-commerce, logistics, financial inclusion and national development. He said the existing Postal Services Act No. 22 of 2009 no longer adequately addresses emerging technologies, changing consumer expectations, digital commerce and modern service delivery models.
According to the Ministry, the proposed Postal and Courier Services Bill introduces reforms aimed at strengthening universal service obligations, enhancing consumer protection, improving postal security, modernizing licensing requirements and reinforcing ZICTA’s regulatory oversight. The bill also proposes mechanisms to expand postal and courier services into underserved and commercially unviable areas through the Universal Access and Service Development Fund.
Saboi highlighted several challenges facing the sector, including limited connectivity at rural post offices, inadequate postal infrastructure, weak addressing systems, low participation in e-commerce and unequal access to courier services. He said addressing these issues through comprehensive reforms would improve service delivery, expand digital inclusion and increase access to essential services nationwide.
He encouraged stakeholders to provide practical recommendations reflecting both provincial realities and national development priorities, stressing that the consultation process was an opportunity to shape legislation that supports innovation, investment, competition and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the consultation, ZICTA Acting Director General Collins Chomba welcomed representatives from government ministries, regulatory bodies, postal and courier operators, consumer organizations, development partners, the private sector and civil society. He said the diverse participation would help develop legislation capable of responding to the evolving needs of the sector.
Chomba observed that the postal and courier industry has transformed significantly since the current law was enacted in 2009, becoming a critical component of Zambia’s logistics ecosystem by supporting e-commerce, digital trade, financial services, government service delivery and the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
He added that rapid technological innovation, evolving business models and changing consumer expectations have created the need for a modern regulatory framework that promotes innovation, investment, fair competition and quality service delivery. Chomba urged stakeholders to identify regulatory gaps, implementation challenges and practical policy measures that would strengthen the proposed legislation while improving consumer protection and expanding universal access to postal and courier services across Zambia.
The Ministry said the outcomes of the nationwide consultations will inform the final draft of the Postal and Courier Services Bill, 2026, before it is submitted for enactment.
