Mozambique’s Communications Regulatory Authority (INCM) has called for greater formalisation and modernisation of the country’s postal sector as e-commerce growth increases demand for faster, safer and more efficient delivery services.
The call was made at the first Mozambique Postal Operators Forum, organised by INCM in Maputo on 9 October. The event brought together industry stakeholders to discuss digital transformation, informal delivery services and the growing demand for parcel distribution.
Mozambique has 38 licensed postal operators, but informal parcel transportation and delivery remain regulatory challenges. Some individuals provide delivery services through digital platforms without the required postal licences, raising concerns about regulatory oversight, service security and consumer protection.
Massingue Apala, INCM’s Executive Administrator responsible for Regulation, Market Regulation and Statistics, said modernising the sector would require investment in technology, broader geographical coverage and stronger cooperation among operators. He highlighted the growing role of postal services in logistics, e-commerce, economic inclusion and connecting businesses with markets.
INCM has introduced measures including the Postal Sector Development Strategy, the Postal Security Regulation and the Regulation on the Provision and Operation of Postal Services. However, Head of the Postal Department Euclides dos Santos stressed that effective implementation, monitoring and stakeholder commitment are necessary to translate regulation into tangible improvements.
Participants also highlighted the need for better parcel tracking and information sharing. Nuno Rangel, executive director of Rangel Logistics Solutions, said consumers should receive reliable shipment information, including delivery timelines and updates throughout the distribution process.
Dário Nuvunga, representing Portador Diário, identified limited investment as a barrier to technological innovation and the integration of logistics services with e-commerce platforms. He called for financing mechanisms to support technology projects and proposed a shared parcel-tracking platform to improve coordination and visibility across the postal network.
Discussions also covered the high cost of delivering parcels to remote areas, international e-commerce and stronger integration between postal operators and digital platforms. Participants considered establishing an association to strengthen industry representation, cooperation and joint solutions.
Held on World Post Day under the theme “Strengthening Dialogue, Cooperation and Association for the Development of Mozambique’s Postal Market”, the forum aims to support a more organised and competitive postal sector equipped to meet the needs of the digital economy.
