On August 29, 2025, the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) and the East African Business Council (EABC) signed a memorandum of understanding in Arusha, Tanzania, to promote digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, financial inclusion, and logistics modernization across Africa.

This partnership marks a new chapter in leveraging postal networks and private sector collaboration to unlock Africa's digital economy potential, with PAPU Secretary General Sifundo Chief Moyo highlighting its significance.

Key areas of cooperation include enhancing cross-border logistics, capacity building for SMEs and postal operators, advocating for the removal of trade barriers, organizing regional e-commerce forums, and supporting GovTech and digital platform initiatives.

The agreement aims to boost digital trade capabilities and streamline logistics networks to foster greater economic integration across the continent.

The MoU is part of a broader initiative to foster cooperation among African nations to improve trade and logistics infrastructure, potentially impacting regional and international trade dynamics.

EABC Acting Executive Director Adrian Raphael Njau emphasized that the MoU will facilitate integration between postal and business ecosystems, supporting SMEs, youth, and women-led businesses in engaging in cross-border e-commerce.

Njau, representing the EABC, urged East African Community member states to address challenges such as cybersecurity threats, data protection, regulatory constraints, and infrastructure gaps to further enhance digital trade.

The partnership seeks to leverage opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area, which encompasses a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding 3.4 trillion USD.

This collaboration reflects a strategic effort by regional organizations to utilize digital infrastructure for economic growth and development in Africa.