WINDHOEK, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said Wednesday that postal services and logistics play an important role in driving e-commerce and economic growth.
"Namibia's e-commerce sector is undergoing rapid transformation, spurred by increased internet penetration and mobile connectivity. While still in its early stages, e-commerce holds immense potential for our economy," she said at the opening of the three-day 12th Southern Africa Postal Operators Association (SAPOA) Forum in Windhoek.
The forum, held in Namibia's capital, brought together postal service providers from across the region to discuss industry trends, challenges, and development strategies under the theme "The Role of Post and Logistics in E-Commerce and Digital Trade."
Theofelus highlighted Namibia's growing internet penetration and the rise of local and pan-African e-commerce platforms as evidence of the sector's rapid evolution.
"These developments reflect a growing digital marketplace that requires a strong logistical backbone to function effectively. Key drivers of this e-commerce growth include government efforts to expand internet access and make data more affordable," she said.
However, Theofelus noted that challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure development, which she said is crucial for efficient e-commerce operations, especially in logistics and transportation.
"Many mobile network providers hesitate to invest in areas they consider commercially unviable, leaving parts of our society disconnected," she said, while outlining Namibia's initiatives, including investments in open-access network infrastructure and the development of a secure regulatory environment, to address these challenges.
"I urge all stakeholders present to collaborate and invest in strengthening our postal and logistics infrastructure," she said.
Theofelus also stressed the importance of regional trade, saying that Namibia's active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area can unlock new markets and foster intra-African trade.
"I have long been a proponent of regional trade, believing that Africa's economies can only thrive when we trade with one another. Postal service providers must facilitate seamless cross-border transactions," she said. ■
