1

Original :English

REPORT OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL FOR THE QUADRENNIAL PERIOD

2016-2021

24-25 June, 2021, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

PAPU/PC/X/2021 - Doc. N°4

Subject

Report of Activities of the Secretary General for the 2016-2021

Quadrennial Period

References/Paragraphs

Article 9 paragraph 16, of the detailed

Regulations of the Convention of the Pan

African Postal Union

Decision expected

Take note of the report and chart the way forward.

2

SECRETARY GENERAL’S REPORT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE QUADRENNIAL PERIOD

2016-2021

Your Excellencies, Heads of delegations

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I would like to start by thanking you most sincerely, for the honour you bestowed upon me, by electing me as Secretary

General of the Pan African Postal Union in 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and re-elected in 2016, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

You recall that it was with great humility and a deep sense of duty that I solicited your support to be of service to our dear

continent. My vision for the development of the postal services in Africa has been firmly grounded on three (3) major

principles:

a) The need for Africa to remain steadfastly united and speak with one voice in order to safeguard her interests

globally, especially to ensure that we preserve a single postal territory in Africa;

b) Promotion of good governance and professionalism in the running of our Union, notably at the General Secretariat;

and;

c) Repositioning of our region as a powerful voice at the global and UPU level for inculcation and deepening of

democratic practices and equity in the management of the affairs of Member States, particularly the least developed

ones who are most vulnerable.

Your Excellencies, Heads of delegations

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I am confident that the report I am about to present to you now will go a long way in demonstrating that we have made

remarkable and tangible progress in the implementation of these objectives.

But before I do so, I wish to sincerely thank you, the Hon. Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services of the Republic of

Zimbabwe, Hon. Jenfan Muswere (MP), for the excellent organization of the Plenipotentiary Conference, the associated

meetings of the Council as well as the Administrative and Technical Committees, which were held virtually successfully

concluded last week.

At this juncture, before I delve into the details of the activities of my 2016-2021 Quadrennial period report, I would like to

highlight some key activities we undertook as follows:

3

1. The rallying together of Africa during the 2016 Istanbul UPU Congress, with the support of like-minded

restricted unions and friends from all parts of the world, culminated in the reelection of Ambassador Bishar

Hussein as Director General of the UPU; thus realizing our desire for the continuation of his tenure;

2. Development of the Regional Development Plan for Africa, 2016-2020, in collaboration with the UPU; We

have had an impressive performance in the implementation of projects under this programme, at nearly

100%;

3. Initiation of the Digital Transformation and Diversification of postal products project;

4. A new momentum in the implementation of PAPU House project in Arusha, Tanzania, which is now under

construction by a contractor known as Beijing Engineering Construction Group (BECG). On this note we

continue to thank the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania for the commendable

support and goodwill which we always receive from them;

5. Adoption of high-level resolutions at the African Union Commission, including the Assembly of Heads of State

and Government, to support policies and programmes that would facilitate the posts’ greater role in

contribution to social and economic inclusion through financial services, addressing and post codes, among

others, embedded in the 2019 SHARM EL SHEIKH DECLARATION STC-CICT-3;

6. Continued implementation of the recommendations of the study aimed at restructuring the General

Secretariat and improving the financial sustainability of the Union, with the objective of enhancing

professionalism, efficiency, and cost containment, as well as creating more value for Member States;

7. Continued implementation of improvements in internal governance and working conditions of PAPU staff etc

The aforementioned initiatives are among many others that have substantially raised the public profile and relevance of our

Union, and enhanced the confidence of stakeholders in the Union’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is now my great pleasure to have this opportunity to present the report of activities of our Union for the 2016-2020

Quadrennial period, in conformity with the provisions of Article 9 paragraph 16, of the detailed Regulations of the

Convention of the Pan African Postal Union, which stipulates that the Secretary General shall present to the Plenipotentiary

Conference, the report of activities undertaken by the General Secretariat.

1. STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE DECISIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

The 9th Ordinary session of the Plenipotentiary Conference took twenty-two (22) directives in the form of Decisions and

Resolutions as per Annex 1. I am pleased to report, Honourable Members that almost over 95% of the directives were

carried out successfully. Those that were not completed are of the “on-going” nature and suffice to say that we are hopeful

4

that even for them they will soon be executed successfully. You may also wish to note that the full implementation of the

new organization structure could not be executed due to budgetary constraints. In addition, it is important to report on the

implementation of the directives of the 5th Extra Ordinary Plenipotentiary Conference in July 2018, in Antananarivo,

Madagascar. There were six (6) directives (three (3) Decisions & three (3) Resolutions) taken. All of these were successfully

implemented as per Annex 1 attached.

2. STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION ADOPTED AT BY THE 9TH

PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE (QUADRENNIAL PROGRAMME OF ACTION 2016-2020)

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 9, paragraph 4 of PAPU Detailed Regulations of the Convention, the Secretary General

shall prepare the draft programme of activities and budget of the Union for the quadrennial period and submit them for the

approval of the Conference.

In view of that, the identified areas for the quadrennial programme for the 2016-2020 period took into account identified

priorities for Africa contained in the UPU Istanbul Postal Strategy adopted in 2016 in Istanbul, the Regional Development

Plan for Africa (2017-2020) and the PAPU Strategy Plan adopted in Nairobi, Kenya in 2017. The activities were in syncwith

the global postal vision 2020 which speak to the broad theme on “how the posts can proactively develop innovative,

integrated and all-inclusive solutions for customers and stakeholders.”

Thus, the following are the broad areas of focus for the quadrennial period which were adopted by the 9th Ordinary Session

of the Plenipotentiary Conference:

a) Improvement of operational capacity and e-commerce development;

b) Development of e-services;

c) Development of postal financial services;

d) Diversification of products and services;

e) Postal sector reform;

f) Strategies for sustainable development of the postal sector.

Based on these broad areas of focus, the General Secretariat developed detailed programmes year by year and the status

of implementation of the related activities is herewith attached as Annex 2 for ease of reference.

As it will be noted the activities in the Action Program (2016-2020) were not executed at 100% due to the austerity budget

occasioned mostly due to the low recovery rate of Member States' contributions.

5

This scenario compels the General Secretariat to formulate a realistic action program taking into account the environment

presented hereinbefore, in particular the main limiting factor being finance as well as taking all necessary measures to find

alternative funding so as not to depend exclusively on contributions from member states such as calling on associate

members to join the union. The Union is currently faced with the issue of outstanding contributions of Member States. At the

31st May 2020 these outstanding is USD 4,428,938. As at 31ST May, 2021, it stood at USD 4,820,914.22.

We therefore call upon Member States to promptly pay their annual contributions, latest three (3) months into the new

financial year to allow the General Secretariat to embark on the implementation of its annual action programme as

scheduled.

3. BUDGET OF THE UNION FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2020, BUDGET CEILINGS AND SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS

3.1 The Conference considered the Income and Expenditure budgets of the Union and approved the following

budget ceilings to cover recurrent and capital expenditure for the quadrennial period as follows:

a) 2016/2017 - USD 1,877,000.00

b) 2017/2018 - USD 1,719,867.00

c) 2018/2019 - USD 1,721,052.00

d) 2019/2020 - USD 1,901,559.00

I am glad to report that the General Secretariat under the direction of the Council, successfully kept the expenditure within

the limits approved by the Conference throughout the cycle.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bureau of the Plenipotentiary Conference approved USD 1,640,000.00, as the budget

ceiling for 2020-2021 financial year. In line with the headquarters agreement, the United Republic of Tanzania advanced

half of annual budget (USD 820,000) to enable the secretariat function during the pandemic before receiving Member States

mandatory contribution. The advance was received in October 2020 and has since been refunded in May 2021 being the

last month of the financial year. On this note, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the government of the United

Republic of Tanzania for this and other numerous gestures of assistance, both financial and otherwise, which were

accorded to the Union throughout the quadrennial cycle.

4. QUALITY OF SERVICE IMPROVEMENT

4.1 Quality Control Exercises for intra-Africa Mail Circulation

6

The General Secretariat has continued to undertake quality control exercises for ordinary letter mail items and for EMS

during the cycle. Participation in the ordinary letter post control exercise fluctuated from 48% in 2017, 58% in 2018 and 42%

in 2019. EMS participation was lower than the one for ordinary letters increasing by 11% in 2018 and going back to the 2017

level in 2019.

The results for the EMS test improved in 2018 then declined again in 2019. Since, Member States set country specific

quality of service standards and that default standards are applied where members have not set standards for different legs

of the EMS supply chain, the General Secretariat did not use any standard for the analysis of the results, hence Member

States were requested to check how the results deviated from their own standards in order to take corrective measures.

The results for ordinary letter control tests indicate an improvement in performance against international standards in 2018.

Thirteen (13) links tested attained the set standard of J+5@ 80% compared to nine (9) in 2017.

As you may recall, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Postal Operations Council (POC) revised the end to end quality of

service standards since the J+5 @ 85% target could not be attained by most regions of the world. The intra sub- regional

standard is J+8 while inter sub-regional standard is J+9 for the Africa region since 2019. The United Nations classification

was used to group the countries into sub regions.

Of the twenty-three (23) intra- sub regional links tested in 2019, fourteen (14) managed to attain the average transmission

time of J+8. Thirteen (13) inter sub-regional links were tested and only three (3) attained the set standard of J+9.

Not much comparison on the results could be done with the previous years since the standards being used were different.

However, only 58% of the links attained an average transmission of at least ten (10) days compared to 76% in 2018.This

indicates a general decrease in quality of service for the region.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, no control tests were conducted in year 2020 up to the first half of 2021.

4.2 PAPU/AFRAA Contact Committee

Resolution No.02/PAPU/AC/XXXVIII/2019 was made by the 38th Administrative Council in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso to

re-constitute the PAPU AFRAA contact committee in order to address the challenges being faced by the region in mail

transmission.

The Secretariat wrote to sub-regional postal organizations to nominate representatives into the committee. Despite

reminders and follow-ups made, only the Southern Region nominated a representative. Mr Israel Poonyane, the South

Africa Post Office Manager Operations, was nominated to represent the sub-region in the PAPU/AFRAA Contact

Committee.

7

The re-constitution of the PAPU /AFRAA contact committee is now urgent and crucial to address quality of service

challenges being faced by the region. Delays in mail transmission have been reported at major airport like Addis Ababa and

Johannesburg. In Johannesburg mail meant for direct transshipment is being sent to SAPO office of exchange where the

mail is subjected to further delays.

It has also been observed from the on-site review missions carried out in most countries under the Operational Readiness

for E-commerce (ORE) project that relations with airlines are not cordial resulting in number of challenges. Some of the

common challenges being:

Serious mail transmission delays especially in transportation leg (leg2);

Signing of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with airlines;

Settlement of airline bills by DOs resulting in embargos;

Exchange of EDI messages (CARDIT/RESDIT) with African airlines.

The above challenges could be collectively addressed through the PAPU/AFRAA contact committee if formally constituted.

4.3 Regional Quality Improvement Projects.

The Secretariat has continued to closely collaborate with the UPU in the implementation of the regional quality improvement

projects. The key project for the cycle, Operational Readiness for E-commerce (ORE) was launched in May, 2017 with a

start-up workshop held Nairobi, Kenya. This first workshop which was attended by Chief Executive Officers

(CEOs)/Postmasters General (PMGs) of participating counties as well as the designated Country Project Managers (CPMs)

gave an overview of the project, its aims and objectives, main deliverables as well as support and commitment of

CEOs/PMGs in the funding of the project.

Three other annual workshops were held in 2017, 2018 and 2019 for English and French speaking countries separately.

These workshops covered formulation of national roadmaps and action plans as well as subsequent review on progress

made by participating designated operators. They also covered attainment of the major deliverables on security, customs,

transport as well as use of IT systems and tools.

Final workshops for the two groups were supposed to be held in July and September 2020. However, due to the COVID-19

pandemic, the 5th and final workshops were held online. These workshops covered status of implementation of the project in

the region as well as challenges. Brainstorming on the project for the next cycle was also during these workshops.

8

Apart from the workshops conducted, on-site evaluation missions are carried out by UPU experts and Consultants to assess

the preparedness of DOs for e-commerce, status of implementations of national roadmaps as well as improvement of

operational efficiency in the supply chain.

Such evaluation missions were conducted in eleven (11) countries in the year 2019.The countries involved were: Gambia,

Rwanda, Djibouti, Chad, Cape Verde, Comoros, Malawi, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana and Mozambique.

Evaluation Missions for three (3) countries, namely, Angola, Namibia, Zambia were carried out at the beginning of 2020.

The outstanding on-site missions were also suspended.

Following the postponement of the 27th UPU Congress, new projects could not be implemented, therefore, the International

Bureau in conjunction with PAPU decided to implement outstanding activities for some regional projects in the year 2021.

The Regional Project on Operational Readiness for E-commerce 2 (ORE 2) is being implemented in Africa to complete the

unfinished tasks from the previous cycle and ensure further development and strengthening of “operational readiness” of

posts for seamless cross-border e-commerce.

Member States are urged to implement outstanding milestones bearing in mind that the ORE 2 project will be implemented

up to the end of 2021. By the end of the project, African DOs should be operationally ready for e-commerce and be able to

compete in the global market.

.

5. PAN AFRICAN POST DAY CELEBRATIONS

The Plenipotentiary Conference during its Ordinary Session held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 12-13 July, 2016, adopted the

following themes for celebration of the Pan African Post Day for the Quadrennial period:

2017 - Growing postal revenues in a digital economy;

2018 - Translating global and regional strategies into tangible gains;

2019 - Postal regulation: stimulating growth and quality improvement;

2020 - The post: A veritable Partner for financial Inclusion and regional integration.

The General Secretariat and Member States made use of the exceptional opportunity offered by the mass media to

publicize the themes and create public awareness on the key role the postal sector, leveraging on its vast infrastructure, can

play in accelerating socio-economic inclusion, in Africa. To crown it all, the Union organized the 40th Anniversary celebration

9

which gave an opportunity among Member States to renew their commitment towards improving financial inclusion and

strengthening regional integration, all aimed at giving postal sector a clear direction towards its growth.

The event’s objective was also to coordinate Member States’ efforts in strengthening the African Union Agenda 2023 “the

Africa we want”, the United Nations Sustainable Goals, as well as the Regional Development Plan for Africa 2017 to 2020.

6. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ISTANBUL POSTAL STRATEGY

During the quadrennial period, the General Secretariat pursued the implementation of the Istanbul Postal Strategy through

questionnaires to stakeholders. An impressive fifty four percent (54%) of the Member States participated in the exercise

during the first half of the period although during the end of the second half of the cycle we did not manage to elicit an

acceptable amount of data (response) to facilitate a realistic analysis. It is within this framework, as we do regularly, that we

encourage Member States to send us the data when required. Statistics are not just numbers. Several economic and

statistical professionals stressed that no sector, public or private, can develop without a basic reference situation, without

statistics.

7. COOPERATION

7.1 COLLABORATION AT THE 2016 THE ISTANBUL POSTAL CONGRESS

a) The General Secretariat in collaboration with sub-regional postal organizations made good progress in

convincing Member States of the need to harmonize positions and lobby other regions for support for their

bids for election into UPU organs.

b) Following this, the Union managed to secure seven (7) seats in the Postal Operations Council (POC) and

eleven (11) seats in Council of Administration (CA). We also strongly lobbied other regions and UPU

member countries on a wide range of thematic areas, including terminal dues, the upholding of the principle

of a single postal territory and development of e-services, e-commerce and national addressing and post

codes, among others.

Our success was crowned by the re-election of Ambassador Bishar Hussein and Mr. Pascal Clivaz as Director General and

Deputy Director General respectively, of the UPU.

8. POLICY, STRATEGY AND GOVERNANCE MATTERS

8.1 Actions taken to re-engage old members and bring on board African Union but non-PAPU members

10

Pursuant to the directives of the 9th Extraordinary Session of the Administrative Council held in Yaoundé (Cameroon) on 25th

July, 2016, the Secretary General was instructed to re-engage Member States that had suspended their participation in the

Union's activities and bring on board members of the African Union that are not yet part of the PAPU family.

With regard to securing the return of old members, the initiatives taken were crowned with success. Indeed, the Kingdom of

Morocco is back in the ranks of the Union since 2017 and this was formalized through appropriate diplomatic channels.

Likewise, Algeria resumed her collaboration with PAPU. This was materialized in two ways: First that they begun to honour

their commitments, especially financial in nature to PAPU. This was crowned by the hosting of the 37th Ordinary session of

the PAPU Council of Administration in 2018 in Algiers.

Let me mention that initiatives to bring on board African Union Member States that are yet to join PAPU are still ongoing and

reminders have been sent in writing to the remaining ten (10) countries, namely: Cape Verde, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Seychelles and South Sudan. It

is important to mention that we are currently closely- discussing with Mauritania, Rwanda and Mauritius.

In most cases, we have had to seize the opportunity during African Union Summits to discuss not only with the Ministers in

charge of postal services but also directly negotiate with their Ministers of Foreign Affairs or even their Heads of State or

Government. In the same vein, we have requested assistance from the African Union Commission to talk to these countries.

Along the same lines, we have called upon the UPU to incentivize them to join PAPU by restricting eligibility for cooperation

assistance only to countries that are bona fide members of both two institutions.

Unfortunately, probably due to extreme economic challenges for some and political instability for others, the well-advanced

processes already engaged with some of these countries are yet to bear fruit.

At the date of publication of this report, the Union officially has a membership of 45 States.

8.2 Postal Regulators Forum

The Postal Regulators Forum is one of the main activities on PAPU's activity programme adopted by the 9th Plenipotentiary

Conference on the recommendation of Member States that had been clamoring for a formal platform where postal

regulators could meet annually to discuss their affairs. Since the maiden edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2017 organized on the

sidelines of the PAPU Administrative Council session, it has become a regular event with the 2018 and 2019 editions held in

Algiers and Ouagadougou, respectively while this year it was held virtually,. The 39th Ordinary Session of the Administrative

Council kept the tradition by holding the 4th edition of the Forum here in Victoria Falls a few days ago. The topics addressed

during these meetings were broad and varied, focusing on issues of postal regulation, financial service regulation, the

regulator and consumer protection, personal data protection, among others.

11

8.3 African Postal Directive

During the maiden edition of the Postal Regulators’ Forum, the Administrative Council instructed the General Secretariat to

come up with model policy guidelines for Member States’ use in future, benchmarking from the existing frameworks applied

by some sub-regional postal organizations in Africa as well as some Member States.

It was against this background that the 36th Ordinary Session of the Administrative Council responded positively to the

recommendation by passing Resolution No.18/PAPU/AC/XXXVI/2017 on Postal Regulation, instructing the General

Secretariat to draft the guidelines. Following validation of the Terms of Reference by the 37th Ordinary Session of the

Administrative Council in Algiers, Algeria, a consultant was engaged to carry out the study. During the 38th Ordinary Session

of the Council held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the consultant presented an interim report on the study to the Council ,

whereupon it was decided that:

- The study report should be circulated to PAPU Member States for inputs and comments latest by 31st

October 2019;

- The Policy, Strategy and Governance Committee's Legal Experts Taskforce should be reactivated to help

finalize the document.

These instructions have all been executed and the Draft Directive will be presented to this Conference for consideration and

approval.

8.4 Extraordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference

On the recommendation of the Council and pursuant to the relevant statutory provisions, the General Secretariat formally

consulted Member States with a view to convening an Extraordinary Session of the Conference. In this regard, the General

Secretariat's initiative was welcomed and supported by the Chairperson of the Conference who made a formal written

request to all her counterparts responsible for postal services in our Member States.

Out of the Union's forty-five (45) Member States, thirty-two (32), representing more than the required 2/3 quorum, responded

favourably to this request. The stage was thus set for the Chairperson to convene the 5 th Extraordinary Session of the

Conference, which was generously hosted from 26th to 27th July 2018 by the Republic of Madagascar in Antananarivo.

The Conference’s agenda featured two critical issues for Africa's postal fraternity, namely:

a) Consideration and adoption of proposed amendments to the Acts of the Union;

As you may recall, the Administrative Council had recommended on several occasions that the Acts of the Union should be

aligned with the current realities of the postal environment. A series of amendments were therefore proposed by the

12

Administrative Council during its Ordinary Session held in April 2018 in Algiers. Upon consideration, the Conference

adopted the proposed amendments as recommended by the Council with a few amendments, thereby bringing them into

force with immediate effect.

Pursuant to Article 26-3 of the Convention, a certified true copy of the Acts was sent to each signatory Member State by the

General Secretariat of the Union.

b) Harmonization of Africa's positions on key issues on the agenda of the UPU Extraordinary

Congress scheduled held from 3rd to 7th September 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

On the harmonization of Africa's positions on key issues during the Extraordinary Congress of the UPU in Addis Ababa, the

key issues addressed included the reform of the Union (governance, scale of assessment of contributions to the budget,

sustainable financing of the Pension Fund and introduction of Extraordinary Congresses). On the other hand, operational

issues like the Integrated Product Plan (IPP) were also explored.

8.5 Associate Members

As you may remember, following the revision of the Acts by the 5th Extraordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference

held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in July 2018, new provisions were introduced allowing for Associate membership.

To bring this innovation to reality, the General Secretariat took aggressive action to engage partners and potential members

by inviting them formally in writing to join the African postal fraternity. The letters highlighted the multiple benefits and

incentives attached to associate membership of PAPU, including participation in meetings/conferences with Member States

and other Associate members, thereby offering them the opportunity to interact concomitantly with policy-makers, operators

and regulators.

So far, Asaase GPS of Ghana, Dubai Ports World (DP World) and United States Postal Service (USPS) have heeded

the call and have joined the Union. Meanwhile, reminders have been sent on a regular basis to other partners to bring on

board as many new members as possible.

8.6 Force majeure due to COVID-19 pandemic

As you are all aware, the world is currently afflicted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has been unanimously

recognized as a force majeure with attendant pernicious implications. Like all other industries, the post has not been spared,

be it operations or the organizations responsible for its development. Under these circumstances, the Government of the

Republic of Zimbabwe, host country of the 10th Ordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference initially scheduled to

take place from 8th to 20th June 2020, issued a letter on 21st April 2020, requesting for the postponement of the event

indefinitely.

13

As a consequence, the postponement of the Conference – which may only take place well after the end of the current cycle

– has created an unprecedented situation that is not catered for in the Acts of the Union and calls for appropriate action to

address the now foreseeable implications.

First and foremost, it was imperative to formally declare a force majeure as a legal basis for appropriate exceptional

measures to be taken accordingly in order to ensure continuity of the Union's activities until the Conference is actually held.

The General Secretariat therefore went ahead to prepare working documents that were presented to the Bureau of the

Conference by the Chairman of the Council. The documents dealt with the following issues:

- Formal declaration of force majeure;

- Budget management after 31st May 2020;

- The current terms of office of elected organs and officials;

- Application deadlines for elective positions (Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General) for the

next cycle.

The exceptional measures taken by the Chairperson of the Plenipotentiary Conference to address the situation in

consultation with Bureau Members of the Conference and the Chairman of the Council were most timely and welcome.

Indeed, it prevented the Union from being plunged into an unpredictable legal void with potentially damaging implications

that would have posed a threat to the continuity of its activities and the status of its permanent organs.

Once the date of the 10th Ordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference was finally set by the host country in

consultation with the PAPU General Secretariat and on the strength of a predictive analysis of a possible return to normalcy,

the General Secretariat proceeded to convene the said session for the period from 7th to 19th June 2021. However, it

immediately became obvious that uncertainties continued to loom over participation due to the on-going global COVID-19

pandemic.

Indeed, since the convening of this meeting, to be held immediately after the 39th Ordinary Session of the Administrative

Council, several Member States and key PAPU partners have continued to express concerns about potential challenges, or

even the impossibility for them to travel to Victoria Falls during the above-mentioned period, due to COVID-19 travel

restrictions in their respective countries.

It was against this background that, upon consultation with Zimbabwe and other international organisations on the continent,

a decision was taken to slightly adjust the initial timetable and, more specifically, the format of the meetings, in order to hold

the Plenipotentiary Conference and the Administrative Council meetings in hybrid format i.e. in-person and online.

14

The Chairperson of the Plenipotentiary Conference was therefore requested to exceptionally and temporarily suspend all

impediments in the Acts that may prevent the meetings from take place in the proposed format.

With this in mind, the General Secretariat prepared working documents which were submitted for the Chairperson’s

consideration, requesting her to:

Exceptionally authorize the acceptance of instruments of accreditation received electronically, as well as online

participation and voting by Member States

Exceptionally authorize online voting during election of the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General

(SG and ASG) in the 10th Ordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference.

Undoubtedly, these arrangements should guarantee fair participation for all and successful deliberations during our

meetings.

9. SUMMARY OF MILESTONES ACHIEVED

Honourable members, since this is the last time for me to present such a report, please allow me to give you a snapshot or

a rundown of milestones achieved since I took over the position of the Secretary General nine (9) years ago in 2012 as

follows:

9.1 On institutional developments

a) The membership has grown from forty-four (44) at the time I took over in 2012 when Morocco had

suspended her membership to the current forty-five (45) Member States, making PAPU the largest

restricted union in the postal sector globally;

b) As you are aware, the Pan African Post Day was created in 1985 for commemoration of the founding of

PAPU on 18th January 1980. PAPU was not cerebrating this day. When I took over, I made it a point that

the Secretariat should be in the forefront of the Cerebrations, setting the tone for all members;

c) Further to a Council resolution No.02/PAPU/AC/XXX/2011, extending the scope of Public Private

Partnership arrangement for development of PAPU House Project beyond the BOT option, the General

Secretariat and an Agency of the host country, Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA),

resolved to enter into a Joint Venture Partnership for speedy realization of PAPU House Project. As you

are aware, the partnership entails a 60/40% ownership structure to PAPU and TCRA, respectively;

15

d) Corollary to that, the foundation laying ceremony for which all Member States Ministers in charge of

postal services were invited, took place during the 40th anniversary celebration of the establishment of

the Pan African Postal Union. The president of the United Republic of Tanzania was represented by the

Honourable Minister of Works, Transport and Communication and the Honourable Deputy Minister of

Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation’. Both Ministers jointly performed the foundation laying

ceremony on 18th January 2020, at the site of the 17-storey building located on plot 114 Block Z, within

the Sekei ward of Arusha City. The project is on course and has reached the 5th floor of the sub-

structure as at May 2021. The Union is invited to show appreciation to the United Republic of Tanzania

for undertaking to settle the VAT levied on the building through the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

Tanzania should also be appreciated for restoring the previously donated land and assisting to

amalgamate the two plots previously situated on plots 111 and 113/2 into a single unified plot number

114, whose certificate was personally delivered to me by Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the Honourable

Minister of Communication and Information Technology, in March 2021. May I also take this opportunity

to pay my heartfelt tribute to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania which has spared no

effort to bring this project to reality. The honor goes to all successive Tanzanian Heads of state, from the

late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to the current Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, including Ali Hassan Munyi,

Benjamin Nkapa, and Jakaya Kikwete and Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli.

e) In 2016, the 9th Extraordinary Session of the Administrative Council established three (3) new Technical

Committees for the 2016-2020 cycle. The main development was the dissolution of the Management

Board. This initiative was done to improve efficiency and the finances of the Union. The newly

constituted committees were Operations and Technology, Policy, Strategy & Governance and Finance &

Administration;

f) Again in 2016, the 9th Plenipotentiary Conference held in Yaoundé, Cameroon established the Postal

Regulators Forum to ensure that there is annual platform of exchange for postal regulators;

g) In 2017, a resolution on drafting a bill on the harmonization of rules and regulations to govern the postal

sector in Africa was made, drawn from current sub-regional models;

h) Legal Experts Taskforce proposed amendments to the Acts of PAPU after their meeting in Arusha,

Tanzania from 27th to 30th November, 2017.The 37th Administrative Council held in April 2018 in

Algiers made recommendations to realign the Acts of the Union with the current realities of the postal

environment;

16

i) Upon consideration, the 5th Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Conference held in July, 2018, in

Antananarivo, Madagascar adopted the proposed amendments to the Acts bringing them into force with

immediate effect. The new Acts override the 2009 Acts which were not ratified;

j) During the same Conference, PAPU harmonized Africa's positions on key issues on the agenda of the

UPU Extraordinary Congress scheduled to take place from 3rd to 7th September, 2018, in Addis Ababa,

Ethiopia;

k) The 38th Administrative Council Session in Ouagadougou adopted the annual financial contributions for

Associate Membership of the Union and recommended the same to the Chair of Plenipotentiary

Conference for anticipatory approval, which was granted, in order for the General Secretariat to

operationalize their admission process. Consequently, as per subsection 8.5 above we now have three

(3) Associate Members namely, Asaase GPS of Ghana, Dubai Ports World (DP World) and “United

States Postal Service (USPS);

l) Further to a resolution made in 2017 on the harmonization of rules and regulations, a consultant was

recruited in 2019 who conducted a study whose report was presented during the 38th Ordinary Session

of the Administrative Council in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The report was circulated to Member

States for further refinements before submission to this Conference;

m) Due to the lack of a formal continental platform for interaction between postal CEOs, the 38th

Administrative Council Session held in June 2019, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, established the African

Postal CEO Forum for postal leaders that will enable them to discuss and exchange views on matters

encountered in managing their organizations, with a view to coming up with possible common solutions

to those issues. Thus, the first CEO Forum was virtually held on 11th June, 2021, before coming here in

Victoria Falls;

n) As you are aware, an appeal fund was launched to ensure that PAPU is able to contribute its USD 4

million equity cash to the project. We are grateful to the African Union Commission (USD 100,000),

Burkina Faso (USD 20,000), Cameroon (USD 10,000) and Mali (USD 10,000 already paid) for their

generous donation towards the project. Discussions are on-going with Libya for possible contribution of

fifty percent of their outstanding contributions to the project. This action if taken will enable Libya to

obtain waiver for the remaining fifty percent outstanding mandatory contributions up to 2020/2021

financial year. This will also enable Libya to resume payment of their annual contributions and

participate in PAPU activities. We have also scheduled another appeal fund session during the 10th

17

Ordinary Plenipotentiary Conference and I am very hopeful that Member States will contribute voluntarily

to enable us attain the remaining USD 860,000 equity cash for the project.

o) I also do not forget the constant support of all the successive Honourable Ministers in charge of Foreign

Affairs and of Postal Services respectively.

9.2 On operational matters

a) In 2012, PAPU in collaboration with the African Union Commissioned a study on addressing and post

code systems. In 2014, the study report was validated and sensitization of the guidelines was done in

2018. Ministers in charge of the post had adopted a declaration (STC CICT 1) during their 1st

Specialized Technical Committee (STC) meeting in 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and urged Member

States among others to incorporate addressing and postcode systems project in national development

plans and publish strategies for their smooth implementation;

b) In 2013, the General Secretariat of PAPU in collaboration with the International Bureau of the UPU

formulated the Regional Development Plan (RDP) for Africa (2013-2016);

c) In 2013, PAPU contributed to the Long-Term Finance for Accelerating Africa’s Industrialization - (CAM1-

20) conference whose outcome was that Africa’s Ministers of Industry appreciated the important role the

post could play in Africa’s industrialization and trade facilitation, particularly for SMEs and included the

post as a key player in long-term financing for Industrialization in Africa particularly in the post-2015

period;

d) In 2014, through PAPU, Money transfer services was introduced between Emirates post and some

African posts;

e) In 2014, PAPU in collaboration with AUC and UPU formulated the Electrification and Connectivity project

for Post Offices in Africa aimed at fostering economic development through the post, in which thirteen

(13) countries, namely, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi,

Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda were identified to participate in pilot project.

Ministers in charge of the post endorsed the project during their 1st Specialized Technical Committee

(STC) meeting in 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. and emphasized on identifying multiple sources of

funding for the successful implementation of the project, among others;

18

NB: Heads of State endorsed the Addressing & Post code Project as well as the Electrification &

Connectivity Projects during the January, 2016 Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;

f) In 2014, PAPU in collaboration with the African Union Commission played a key role in coming up with

resolution L12 on Postal Financial Services during the 7th Joint AU-ECA Ministers of Finance, Economy

and Development planning in Abuja, Nigeria;

g) PAPU in collaboration with UPU implemented the Quality of Service programme for the period 2013-

2016. The programme culminated in quality certification of Member States as follows:

(i) Kenya : 2016-2019;

(ii) Nigeria : 2016-2019;

(iii) Botswana : 2016-2019;

(iv) Cameroon : 2015-2019;

(v) Eswatini : 2016-2019;

(vi) Ethiopia : 2016-2019;

(vii) Ghana : 2016-2019;

(viii) Zimbabwe : 2016-2019.

h) The International Bureau of the UPU in collaboration with the General Secretariat of PAPU formulated

the Regional Development Plan (RDP) for Africa in 2017;

i) PAPU is a key player in the implementation of the flagship project of the RDP, the Operational

Readiness for e-Commerce (ORE), being implemented for the period 2017-2020;

j) In furtherance of the PAPU/ AFRAA relationship and in line with the implementation of a resolution made

by the 37th Administrative Council in Nairobi, Kenya, PAPU reviewed the Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) that was drawn in 1985, taking into account developments in the mail conveyance

business. The revised agreement was signed by both parties in February 2019 at AFRAA headquarters

in Nairobi, Kenya;

k) In 2018, PAPU played a key role in Extraordinary Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during which

reform of the Universal Postal Union was featured highly and sailed through;

l) During the 3rd Extra ordinary UPU Congress held in Geneva in September 2019, PAPU trough the

TEAM Approach coordinated discussions on remuneration of E-format items resulting in the adoption of

a compromise proposal, Option “V” averting the withdrawal of the United States from the UPU;

19

m) In 2019, PAPU boasts of the Designated Operator Morocco as the only Member State who was awarded

the Security Standards S58 &59 Certification during the October 2019 POC Session;

n) The Secretariat successfully coordinated the Customs Declaration System (CDS) project implemented in

sixteen (16) Designated Postal Operators from2019 to January 2021. Thanks to Emirates Post who

committed USD 100, 000 from their QSF account for financing training for participating Designated

Operators;

o) Due to the ongoing European rules and regulations as well as the US Laws on security among others,

the UPU recommended that the countries participating in the PAPU CDS Project should also migrate to

the UPU Global Project on Electronic Advance Data (EAD) Capture, Transmission, and Compliance, to

enable the countries to benefit from the broader issues being covered in the EAD Global Project to

ensure that DOs also comply with UPU standards as well as technical support. The global project is

being funded under the QSF Common Fund which means countries do not need to commit extra funds

to participate in the project. Given this development, all the 16 countries participating in the PAPU CDS

Project submitted appeal letters for them to be included in the global EAD project;

p) Within the framework of this project Designated Operators are encouraged to sign bilateral/multilateral

Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) with partner countries for the exchange of EAD and continue

interacting with national Customs Authorities.

9.3 Human Resource & Development Management matters

a) In 2013, during the 32nd Ordinary Administrative Council the post of Legal Officer of the Pan African

Postal Union was created;

b) In 2016, the PAPU Staff Association was established;

c) In 2016, PAPU commissioned a study on the improvement of finances of the Union. The study report

was adopted by the 9th Plenipotentiary Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon;

d) Following the adoption of the study report a new organizational structure started being implemented in

2017;

e) In 2015, through a resolution passed by the 34th Administrative Council session in Khartoum, Sudan,

two regional training centers for English and French African countries were established in Cairo, Egypt

and Yaoundé, Cameroon, respectively;

9.4 Cooperation activities

20

a) PAPU adopted a deliberate policy of enhancing cooperation among member states and between PAPU

and international partners;

b) Cooperation with the African Union Commission has been strengthened since 2012 resulting in close

collaboration and support for the development of the postal sector in Africa;

c) PAPU and UPU have always collaborated on implementation of the annual programme of activities and

co-financing of joint development activities, under which priority areas have been identified, key among

them, are e-commerce, quality of service improvement, financial services and digitization and reform,

among others. Notably is the creation in 2018 of UPU's Financial Inclusion Technical Assistance Facility

(FITAF) which provides Posts with the necessary funds and capacity to develop digitized postal financial

services. The following Member States have so far benefited from the facility: Benin, Burkina

Faso, Cote d’Ivoire Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Rwanda, and Tunisia;

d) PAPU has forged close cooperation with several developing countries including Emirates Post, China

State Post Bureau, Swiss post and USPS. This has resulted in securing equipment, technical support

and training opportunities for members;

e) On Restricted Unions, collaboration with the Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications

(RCC), Asia Pacific, American, Spain and Portugal, Euro Med, European Conference of Postal and

Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU), Caribbean Postal

Union (CPU) and PostEurop has been enhanced;

f) During the cycle, PAPU has had more regular contacts with the sub-regional postal organizations than in

the past. We would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the following sub regional postal

organizations, namely EACO, CRASA, COPTAC, SAPOA and WAPCO for the satisfactory working

relationship since I took over office in 2012;

g) Collaboration among member states is symbolized in the re-establishment of the Africa Support

Committee to harmonize positions of member countries on UPU key content issues and for election into

key organs of the UPU. The Committee is also responsible for support to prospective UPU congresses

host countries;

h) The General Secretariat takes advantage of the existing cooperation agreement with Alliance Française

in Arusha to participate in a programme aimed at enhancing interaction not only between them and

PAPU but also among all regional and international organizations based in Arusha. Our staff participated

21

in the Francophonie Week festivities and played various roles depending on their specialties and

professional background;

i) In 2013, PAPU financed and availed an Expert who prepared the Draft Financial Regulations, Staff

Rules and Regulations, and the constitutive Annual Budget of WAPCO. The Expert also participated and

gave clarifications during the Ministerial Conference where these documents were discussed and

adopted;

j) As part of the Union’s assistance towards development of postal services within the sub-regions of

Africa, PAPU contributed USD 7,500 in 2015, towards the Communications Regulators Association of

Southern Africa (CRASA) for a study on Postal Sector Reforms in Southern African Development

Community (SADC);

k) In 2017, the African Support Committee was re-established for the organization of the UPU

Extraordinary Congress in 2018, in Addis Ababa, the 27th Congress in 2020 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

and monitoring key UPU content issues;

l) Since 2017, as part of the promotion of the image of the Union in the host country, PAPU actively

participates during the "Open Day" of the international organizations present in Arusha organized by the

Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunal (MICT). The activity has just slowed down due to the

Covid-19 pandemic;

m) In 2017, PAPU participated in the launch of the Dot Africa project on behalf African Union Commission

(AUC) during which the DotAfrica flag was proudly mounted on Africa's highest point of Mount

Kilimanjaro; To mark this event PAPU acquired the said domain name. Since then, the PAPU website

address bears the extension Dot Africa;

n) In 2018, during the 2nd UPU Extraordinary Congress was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia held from 3rd to

7th September, 2018, PAPU guided members on all the key thematic issues to come up with a common

position on various matters that were tabled during the event;

o) In 2018, PAPU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Conference of Postal

and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) represented by European Committee for Postal

Regulation (CERP) during the UPU Extraordinary Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;

p) In 2019, PAPU and China Post Sate Post Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at

strengthening Sino-African bilateral cooperation;

22

Annex 3 presents the Status of cooperation agreements concluded between PAPU and stakeholders/partners during the

2016/2017 – 2019/2021 cycle.

10. CONCLUSION/WAYFORWRAD

a) The uncleared irregular financial transactions will continue to form part of the balances of the Union’s

accounting books unless outstanding membership contributions issues are resolved.

b) Africa’s solidarity has served the Union well and should be continued;

c) All member countries of the African Union should join PAPU to ensure Africa-wide integration of postal

development;

d) Commitment to the realization of the vision, mission and strategic objectives to ensure that PAPU’s

mandate of fostering the development of postal services in Africa is enhanced;

e) PAPU is and will continue to be an important co-ordination entity for development and cooperation in the

postal sector in Africa and for harmonized positions to safeguard Africa’s interests at the international

arena;

f) The postal sector is a key element of the communication industry and should be prioritized in the

national development plans of Member States;

g) Passionate appeal to Member States to continue supporting the General Secretariat in the

implementation of the Union’s mandate through active participation in its programme of activities

including regular financial contributions.

A draft decision under Annex 4 is attached herewith for consideration and adoption of this report.

23

24

Annex 1

STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS & RESOLUTIONS TAKEN DURING THE 9TH PLENIPOTENTARY CONEFRENCE (PC) IN JULY,2016

YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

DECISIONS

1. Decision No01/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On the fixing of the annual

budget ceilings of the Pan

African Postal Union for 2016-

2020 quadrennial period

Plenipotentiary/

General Secretariat

Continuous

implementation

The budget ceilings approved by the

Plenipotentiary Conference will be

complied with and implemented

throughout the current quadrennial

cycle (2016 - 2020).

2. Decision No02/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On the interpretation of Article

11-2 of the Convention

Plenipotentiary/

General Secretariat

Implemented Incorporated into the Convention as

amended

3. Decision No03/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On interpretation of Article 11 of

the Detailed Regulations of the

Convention

Plenipotentiary/

General Secretariat

Implemented Incorporated into the Detailed

Regulation as amended

4. Decision No04/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On amendment of the Staff

Rules and Regulations

Plenipotentiary/

General Secretariat

Implemented The new staff Rules and Regulations

became operational immediately

after approval by the Plenipotentiary

Conference in July 2016.

5. Decision No05/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On adoption of an amendment to

the Rules of Procedure of the

Plenipotentiary/ Done

Incorporated to the Rules of

Procedure

25

Plenipotentiary Conference

6. Decision No06 PAPU/PC/IX/2016 Adopting the organization chart

of the General Secretariat of the

Pan African Postal Union

(PAPU) Not approved but

delegated to AC to study and

adopt.

Administrative

Council & General

Secretariat

On - going PSG Committee of the Admin

Council is examining the proposal.

7. Decision N007/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On approval of the Financial

Regulations of Pan African

Postal Union

General Secretariat On going Adopted Financial Regulations are

being implemented

8. Decision N°08/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On election of PAPU Secretary

General and Assistant Secretary

General

Plenipotentiary

Conference

Done Two officials from Cameroon and

Nigeria were elected as Secretary

General and Assistant Secretary

General respectively

9. Decision N°09/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On Zimbabwe's offer to host the

10th ordinary session of the

PAPU Plenipotentiary

Conference in 2020

Zimbabwe On going The offer was accepted by

Plenipotentiary Conference and

Zimbabwe is expected to host the

next Conference

RESOLUTIONS

10. Resolution No01/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On the support of PAPU

countries for the Republic of

Côte d'Ivoire's offer to host the

General Secretariat &

Member States

On going

General Secretariat & Member

States are in support of the Republic

of Côte d’Ivoire’s bid to host the

26

2020 UPU Congress 2020 UPU Congress. The need for

Support Committee is being

proposed.

11. Resolution No02/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 On the Additional Protocol to the

2009 Convention

General Secretariat Done Reminder letter sent to member

States on the ratification of the 2009

Act while the PSG is also exploring

the overhaul of the whole Acts and

Regulations for presentation in 2018

Extraordinary session of the

Plenipotentiary Conference.

12. Resolution No03/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 Setting the Terms of Reference

of the Host Country and PAPU in

organizing meetings outside the

headquarters of the Union

General Secretariat Implemented All relevant costs of meetings are

now borne as directed by the Host

Countries and PAPU.

13. Resolution

N°04/PAPU/PC/IX/2016

On chairmanship of the Pan

African Postal Union

Plenipotentiary Conference, the

Pan African Postal Union

Administrative Council and

PAPU Management Board

General Secretariat Being

Implemented

The proposal for the Bureau is done

and has been presented to the

Heads of delegation on 8th May,

2017, in Nairobi, Kenya.

14. Resolution N°

05/PAPU/PC/IX/2016

On the support of PAPU

countries for the Federal

Republic of Ethiopia's offer to

General Secretariat &

Member states

Adopted & On

going

General Secretariat and member

states supported the Federal

Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to

27

host the 2018 UPU Mini-

Congress and for the Republic of

Tunisia's offer to host the 2022

UPU Mini-Congress or Strategy

Conference

host the 2018 UPU Mini-Congress.

Congress subsequently endorsed

Ethiopia as the Host Country.

15. Resolution

N°06/PAPU/PC/IX/2016

On the withholding of financial

sanctions against the Republic of

Sudan

General Secretariat Implemented No contributions have been received

from Sudan and she is not subjected

to any sanctions at the moment.

16. Resolution

N0.07/PAPU/PC/IX/2016

On appeal for write-off of

outstanding contributions of the

Kingdom of Swaziland

General Secretariat Implemented Outstanding contributions amounting

to USD 284,424.07 has been written

off for the Kingdom of Swaziland.

Swaziland has also made good her

pledge to settle all the outstanding

contributions from 2013 when the

postal Regulator was established,

including the contribution for the

current financial year.

17. Resolution No08/PAPU/PC/IX/2016 Mandating the Administrative

Council to review the study on

the reform and improvement of

PAPU’s finances

Administrative

Council

On going The 9th Extraordinary PAPU

Administrative Council approved the

structure of the Council and three

Committees, namely, operations &

Technology Committee, Policy

Strategy & Governance and Finance

& Administration were established.

28

However, the structure of the

General Secretariat is awaiting

Council decision.

18. Resolution

N°09/PAPU/PC/IX/2016

On Support for Reforms of the

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

General Secretariat &

Member states

On going UPU Reforms were subjected to

further study during the Istanbul

World Postal Congress. An Extra-

Ordinary Congress has been

scheduled for further consideration

of the proposal among other issues.

19. Resolution

N°10/PAPU/PC/IX/2016

On adoption of the report of the

Chairman of Plenipotentiary

Conference for the period 2012-

2016

Plenipotentiary

Conference

Done It was adopted during the 9th

Plenipotentiary Conference

STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS TAKEN DURING THE 9TH EXTRAORDINARY ADMINSTRATIVE COUNCIL SESSION IN JULY, 2016,

YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

20. Decision

N°01/PAPU/CA/EXT.IX/2016

On the approval of the

Programme of Activities of the

Union for the 2016/2017

Financial Year

Administrative

Council

On going The 9th Extraordinary Administrative

Council approved the programme.

Only one activity will be carried out

i.e. the Postal Regulators’ Forum, will

be executed during the forthcoming

administrative Council. The other

activities could not be carried out

because of UPUCA/POC meetings

29

after the World Istanbul Congress

21. Decision

N°02/PAPU/CA/EXT.IX/2016

On the approval of the Budget of

the Union for the 2016/2017

Financial Year

Administrative

Council

On going The 9th Extraordinary Administrative

Council approved the budget but it is

not yet fully implemented because

the financial year has not come to an

end.

22. Decision

N°03/PAPU/AC/EXTRA.IX/2016

On restructuring of Technical

Committees of the Pan African

Postal Union (PAPU)

Administrative

Council and General

Secretariat

Implemented The Administrative Council approved

the establishment of three Technical

Committees, namely, Operations &

Technology, Policy, strategy and

Governance and Finance &

Administration meetings and had

their first meetings in the first quarter

of 2017, in Tunisia, Zambia and

Senegal respectively

DECISIONS & RESOLUTIONS OF THE 5TH EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE IN JULY,2018, ANTANARIVO,

MADAGASCAR

DECISIONS

23. Decision No01/PAPU/PC-

EXTRA/V/2018

Adopting the revised Convention

and Detailed Regulations of the

Convention of the Pan African

Postal Union (PAPU)

30

24. Decision No02/PAPU/PC-

EXTRA/V/2018

Adopting an amendment to the

Financial Regulations of the Pan

African Postal Union (PAPU)

25. Decision No.03/PAPU/PC-

EXTRA/V/2018

Amending the Rules of

Procedure of the Plenipotentiary

Conference of the Pan African

Postal Union (PAPU)

RESOLUTIONS

26. Resolution No01/PAPU/PC-

EXTRA/V/2018

On harmonization of Africa

position on UPU thematic issues

27. Resolution

No.02/PAPU/PC/EXTRA/V/2018

On conversion of the debt of the

People’s Democratic Republic of

Algeria into en-bloc payment of

approximately USD 500 000 to

finance the PAPU House project

Administrative

Council and General

Secretariat

Implemented Implemented after receipt of USD

500,000 from Algeria.

28. Resolution No.03/PAPU/PC-

EXTRA/V/2018

On PAPU House Project General Secretariat

and Host Country

Not implemented The resolution was overtaken by

events. Before the General

Secretariat wrote to the Government

of the republic of Tanzania, the

Certificate of Occupancy was issued

reverting ownership of the land to

PAPU

31

Annex 2

STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION ADOPTED AT BY THE 9TH PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE

Activity N°1:

Planning workshop/Forum for stakeholders to unpack the Istanbul World Postal Strategy and develop projects in the framework of the

RDPA

Aims Prioritize integration of postal development programmes to national development plans;

Facilitate effective implementation of the Istanbul Postal Strategy in Africa;

Promote investment in postal services as well as public-private partnerships

Prioritize integration of postal development programmes to national development plans;

Facilitate effective implementation of the Istanbul Postal Strategy in Africa;

Promote investment in postal services as well as public-private partnerships

Expected outcomes Identification of projects for immediate implementation;

Quality service improvement and diversification of products and services

Revitalizing the 3-dimensional network of the African post

Promoting investment in infrastructure

Key performances

indicators

Number of countries having integrated the RDP in their national development plans

Number of countries implementing the RDP

Results/Status The deliverable was achieved. The Regional Development Plan Programme for Africa was developed from the

Istanbul World Postal Strategy with input from the PAPU Secretariat, although this was not done in the form of a

workshop.

Challenges

32

Activity N°2:

Postal Regulators forum

Aims Sensitize regulators on reforms and harmonization of policies and regulations

Expected outcomes Harmonized policies and regulations

More effective coordination among stakeholders (governments, regulators, operators, customers, etc.)

Key performances indicators Number of countries, sub-regions that have harmonized policies and regulations

Results/Status The activity has been fully implemented. Three forums were organized in 2017, 2018 and 2019. A similar forum will be

organized in 2020.

The Forum is attracting the full interest of regulators and, beyond that, of other industry stakeholders. On average, at least 20

countries take part in each edition (as an illustration, at the Ouagadougou Forum in 2019, 24 countries and 5 organizations with

76 participants were registered on the attendance list).

The annual Regulators' Forum is organized around a central theme. Past editions have focused on :

1. The challenges of regulation ;

2. Regulation and regulation of financial services;

3. Regulation and consumer protection.

The Forum was sanctioned by a Declaration which the Board of Directors translates into a Resolution. Thus, there are three (3)

Resolutions :

- The first (Resolution N°18/UPAP/CA/XXXVlI2017) instructed the General Secretariat to issue a Postal Directive at the

regional level based on sub-regional models;

- The 2nd (N°07UPAP/CA/XXXVII/2018) dealt with the Terms of Reference of the consultant in charge of drafting the

African Postal Directive;

- The third (Resolution N°09/UPAP/CA/XXXVIII/2019) decided to circulate the study to Member States for their

suggestions/observations.

- The final draft of the Postal Directive will be submitted to the 10th Ordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference via the

33

Policy, Strategy and Governance Commission and the Council of Administration for action.

Challenges N/A

Perspectives This activity will continue during the next cycle

34

Activity N°3:

Quality of Service Workshop on use of ICT systems and tools (GMS, IPS, IFS, CDS, ECOMPRO, etc.)

Aims Sensitize Member States on GMS, IPS, IFS, CDS and ECOMPRO, ETC.

Expected outcomes More efficient utilization of postal technology tools

Adoption of new systems/tools

Key performances indicators Participation of Regional Project Coordinators, Quality of service country project managers, Deputy country project

managers and IT support staff,

Number of countries participating at the workshop.

Number of countries that adopt integrated approach to quality improvement, Number of countries exchanging traffic

using PTC tools.

Results/Status The activity was not implemented.

A workshop on the Implementation of the Regional Customs Declaration System (CDS) project was held in Arusha, Tanzania

from 5th to 7th November, 2019. The other IT tools were covered during the Operational Readiness for E-commerce (ORE)

project workshops as well as onsite missions.

Challenges The Secretariat faces financial constraints to be able to conduct all programmes.

Perspectives The future of this activity will be determined during the final ORE workshop ion July, 2020

35

Activity N°4:

Addressing and post code systems

Aims To sensitize members on addressing systems and how to source funding for these projects

Expected outcomes Increased knowledge of benefits of addressing systems and how to source funds

Key performances indicators Participation of Regulators Operations staff

Number of countries undertaking addressing projects

Results/Status The activity has been fully implemented. A Sensitization Workshop on Addressing and Postcodes was held in Arusha,

Tanzania from 12th to 14th December 2017.

The objectives of the workshop were:

(i) to follow up on the validation workshop that resulted in the adoption of the study report commissioned by AUC;

(ii) To sensitize members on addressing and postcode systems and how to secure funding for the projects;

(iii) To sensitize members on AU decisions and projects on addressing;

(iv) To share experiences and benchmark on best practices;

(v) To formally distribute guidelines for initiating and implementing national addressing projects.

Twenty nine (29) African countries were represented at the workshop namely; Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon,

Chad, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar,

Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda,

Zambia and Zimbabwe. The following organizations/partners were also represented:

a) Pan African Postal Union (PAPU);

b) African Union Commission;

c) Universal Postal Union;

d) What3Words;

e) Air-Nest.

36

Challenges Budgetary constraints

Perspectives Pursue the implementation of the project by encouraging members to identify multiple sources of funding

Activity N°5:

Workshop on postal financial services

Aims Sensitize participants on the role of the post in promoting financial inclusion for national socio-economic development

Sharing of expertise and best practices

Capacity built in the area of postal financial services

Expected outcomes Ensure provision of financial services that are secure, affordable and efficient.

Key performances indicators Participation of financial services managers and operational staff and IT staff;

Number of remittances /Number of customers using postal financial services;

Market share of postal financial services in financial services market;

Number of accounts opened;

Number of SMEs assisted by postal financial services;

Results/Status The activity has been fully implemented.

A workshop on the Role of Postal Financial Services to Further Financial Inclusion and Socio-Economic Development was organized

by PAPU in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Universal Postal Union from 4 th to 6th December, 2018, in

Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.

Twenty-six (26) countries, namely, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of

Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa,

Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe participated in the workshop.

African Union Commission, Universal Postal Union, Bank of Tanzania (BOT), International Fund for Agricultural

Development (IFAD) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) also participated at the workshop. VISA did not manage to

37

physically attend the workshop but made a presentation through video conferencing.

- In furtherance of the Financial Inclusion projects, the UPU formally launched the Financial Inclusion Technical Assistance

Facility (FITAF) funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and VISA. The funds are aimed at allowing the UPU to

implement a series of activities in the field of financial inclusion, including support for projects. FITAF has supported projects

in the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tunisia

Challenges Designated Operators are facing the following challenges in the provision of financial services:

- Financial constraints;

- Power supply;

- Intermittent Internet connectivity;

- Delays in settlement by bilateral partners;

- Manual operations;

Perspectives Continue collaborating with the UPU and other stakeholders such as IFAD for continuation of these activities

38

Activity N°6:

Training of trainers in e-services

Aims Sharing of expertise and knowledge development

Expected outcomes Capacity building for designated operators

Key performances indicators Operations mangers

Training coordinators

Members of staff trained in e- services

Results/Status PAPU Secretariat hold the training workshop due to financial constraints. However, the UPU conducted two Digitization

Workshops held in Egypt for English speaking countries and Grand Bassam for French speaking countries in 2019 for PAPU

Member States. E-services and diversification of products and services were some of the issues discussed.

In addition, the African Union (AU) in conjunction with PAPU organized a high-level forum on digital transformation of the African

postal sector in March, 2020 in Tunis, Tunisia.

Challenges The Secretariat has limited financial resources to implement all planned programmes.

Perspectives We will keep collaborating with the UPU to have this activity realized in the next cycle

39

Activity N°7:

Workshop on synchronization of sub-regional approach to quality of service improvement

(in collaboration with UPU)

Aims Coming up with regional quality of service action plan for the cycle and follow-up programmes

Sharing of experiences

Benchmarking on best Practices

Harmonization of standards

Expected outcomes Customer satisfaction

Enhancement of collaboration among sub regions

Key performances

indicators

Managers responsible for Quality of Service

Country Project Managers

Regional Project managers

Reduced mail transmission times

Reduced customer number of complaints

Increased market share

Increased number of fully implemented milestones

Increased mail volumes

Results/Status This was implemented through the start-up workshop on the Operational Readiness for E-commerce (ORE) project held in Nairobi,

Kenya in May 2017. The workshop was attended by Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)/Postmasters General (PMGs) of participating

counties as well as the designated Country Project Managers (CPMs). All countries were except Eritrea and Zambia were represented

at the workshop.

Challenges N/A

Perspectives The final ORE workshop will determine the future of this activity

40

Activity N°8:

Regional strategy round-table

Aims Round table on Istanbul Postal Strategy (IPS):

Preparation of the Strategy Conference and assessment of the Istanbul Postal Strategy

Identification of African priorities for the next UPU cycle

(in collaboration with UPU)

Expected outcomes Assess the implementation level of the Istanbul Postal Strategy

Identify sub-regional priorities

Determination of continental priorities

Key performances

indicators

Member states

Managers responsible for strategic planning

Managers responsible for operations

National Coordinators of UPU Strategy

Number of countries with implemented programmes

Enhanced implementation level

Identified African priorities

Results/Status The African Postal Strategy Forum took place on 18th June 2019, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, during the 38th Ordinary Session

of the PAPU Administrative Council. The main objective of the Forum of the Forum was to identify African priorities for input into the

global event that will be developed in the Abidjan Postal Strategy 2021-2024. The forum put together the representatives of

governments, Regulators and Operators.

The Africa key inputs into strategic pillars for 2021-2024 were: Strengthen the UPU’s mandate as the foremost for postal sector

stakeholders, Reinforce the UPU’s role as a provider of affordable technical solutions for postal sector stakeholders, and enable the

UPU to become the prime knowledge centre of the Postal sector.

41

The detailed outcome of the meeting is attached to this report.

Challenges N/A

Perspectives Continue defending Africa’s position until the Congress

Activity N°9:

Training workshop on format separation, quality of service link to terminal dues (in collaboration with UPU)

Aims To sensitize members countries on the implications of joining the target system.

Sensitize members on the quality link to terminal dues and the need to set realistic standards

Expected outcomes Setting of quality standards

Cost covering tariff systems

Efficient mail processing systems.

Reduce the impact of loss of terminal dues revenues

Key performances indicators Managers responsible for Quality of Service

Mail Operations managers

Finance Managers

Number of countries meeting set standards

Number of countries joining the quality of service link to terminal dues system

Increased revenues

Results/Status These issues were addressed during the Remuneration Round Table for the Africa Region held in Arusha, Tanzania in January

2020. No separate workshop was held on the subject matter.

Challenges N/A

Perspectives Continue defending Africa’s position until the Congress

42

Activity N°10:

Roundtable on Terminal Dues and Parcel Post Remuneration

Aims Discuss and update members on the decisions/resolutions of the Istanbul Congress

Sensitize members to the implications of the terminal dues on revenues

Sensitize members to the implications of the parcel post remuneration system

Expected outcomes Equitable remuneration of letter post and parcel post services

Minimize loss of revenue

Increased knowledge of remuneration systems

Key performances indicators Member States

CEOs of operators

International mail accounts managers

Operations managers

Increased terminal dues revenues

Increase in parcel inward land rates and revenues.

Results/Status The UPU conducted roundtables on remuneration in all regions to get views of members on the proposals to be submitted to

Congress. The roundtable on remuneration of postal services for the Africa region was held at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha,

Tanzania from 21st to 23rdJanuary, 2020, while the one for the Arab region was held from 4th to 5th February 2020 in Dubai,

UAE.

Fifty-six (56) participants from 41 Member States attended the workshop Africa.

The discussions was focused on harmonization across all 4 groups for all base TD remuneration, PG cap rates, PG The round

tables discussed an overview of remuneration systems in the current Congress cycle (2018–2021); the Integrated

Remuneration Plan (IRP); the outcomes of the third Extraordinary Congress in Addis Ababa; Implementation of the new E-

43

format remuneration; draft Congress proposals for an Integrated Remuneration System (IRS); and the Abidjan Business Plan

draft work proposals for further development of the IRP and the IRS.

The region raised its concerns on the proposed remuneration system for the next cycle. The proposals and the draft congress

document discussed during the round tables were later submitted to POC for approval and subsequently to Congress.

Challenges Members States do not actively participate in UPU POC working groups during the cycle to ensure that Africa’s interests are

incorporated into the remuneration proposals for the next cycle.

Perspectives Continue defending African position until the Congress

44

Activity N°11:

Workshop on UPU Quality Management Certification (French/English)

Aims Updating knowledge on quality management measurement system and improving quality of service processes

Training of certification auditors

Expected outcomes Certification of quality management processes and quality improvement

Key performances indicators Quality of Service Managers

Mail Operations managers

Number of countries certified by end of the Cycle

Results/Status The new methodology on quality of service certification was covered during the 3rd ORE workshops held in 2018. T Unlike in

the previous cycles where Member States in the region would audit each other for the certification programme, this cycle

individual Member States apply for certification to the UPU and a consultant is assigned to do the onsite audit mission at the

cost of the requesting Designated Operator.

Challenges Member States might face financial challenges in paying for the consultant to do the quality certification.

Perspectives The matter will be discussed and concluded during the final ORE Workshop in July, 2020

45

Activity N°12:

Workshop on Customs processes and mail handling

Aims Sensitize participants on Customs and mail handling procedures

Facilitate cooperation between Customs and Posts

Encourage members to implement Customs Declaration system (CDS)

Expected outcomes Enhanced cooperation between Customs and Posts

Improved clearance of postal items

Key performances indicators Quality of Service Managers

Mail Operations managers

Number of countries certified by end of the Cycle

Results/Status The activity was implemented.

A workshop on the Implementation of the Regional Customs Declaration System (CDS) project was held in Arusha, Tanzania

from 5th to 7th November, 2019. Eighteen (18) African countries were represented at the workshop, namely; Benin, Botswana,

Cameroon, Chad, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone,

Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

These were the seventeen (17) countries participating in the regional project as well as Kenya. Operations managers and IT

technicians attended the workshop.

Challenges Some countries could not send two participants even though the participation was fully sponsored under the project.

Perspectives The project is ongoing. However, participating DOs are encouraged to join the Electronic Advance Data (EAD) Project which

has a wiser scope than the CDS

46

Activity N°14:

Workshop on evaluation of the Quadrennial UPU Regional Quality improvement programme (RQIP)

Aims To evaluate progress on implementation of the RQIP

To gain knowledge in the improvement of the Parcel handling and compliance processes

Expected outcomes Deliverables of the Quality of service supply chain and product development structural projects for Africa for the period

2017-2020

Identification of challenges and way forward for the cycle 2021-2024.

Increased knowledge of parcel compliance features and processes

Key performances indicators Quality of Service Managers

Mail Operations managers

Number of countries certified by end of the Cycle

Results/Status The activity will take at the end of the Cycle

Challenges N/A

Perspectives Future will be determined during the final ORE workshop in July, 2020

47

Activity N°14:

Implementation of the organization chart

Aims Restructuration of the General Secretariat

Expected outcomes To equip it with the right size and caliber of staff, and motivate them to achieve higher levels of performance so as to enable the

Union deliver on its mandate

Key performances indicators The completion of the organization chart

Results/Status Despite the urgent need to fill the vacancies to optimize performance of the General Secretariat for the benefit of the Member

States in line with the authorization given by the Administrative Council in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2017, implementation of the newly

adopted structure will only be completed in phases subject to availability of funds.

It was thus only during the 2019-2020 financial year that the General Secretariat was authorized to proceed with the internal

appointment of one of the positions, in particular that of Director of Cabinet in charge of Communication and Strategy.

Challenges Budgetary constrains

Perspectives Continuation of the implementation of new organization structure

48

Activity N°15:

Field missions to support member states on identified areas of need including addressing, e -services, operations at

internattional mail hubs, conceptualization and developpement of regional prohects, etc.

Aims The aims of the field missions are to promote capacity building; quality of service improvement and best practices. The

expected outcomes are to improve delivery standards and to upgrade skills.

The activity is scheduled to take place in March 2019. PAPU will fund EACO to harmonize their policies in the area of

addressing and post codes.

Expected outcomes To equip it with the right size and caliber of staff, and motivate them to achieve higher levels of performance so as to enable the

Union deliver on its mandate

Key performances indicators Key staff in service value chain

Member States

Number of countries visited

Countries that have implemented relevant programmes

Number of missions and studies successfully carried out

Results/Status Despite the urgent need to fill the vacancies to optimize performance of the General Secretariat for the benefit of the Member

States in line with the authorization given by the Administrative Council in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2017, implementation of the newly

adopted structure will only be completed in phases subject to availability of funds.

It was thus only during the 2019-2020 financial year that the General Secretariat was authorized to proceed with the internal

appointment of one of the positions, in particular that of Director of Cabinet in charge of Communication and Strategy.

Challenges Due to COVID-19 and the ban on travelling, this activity was not undertaken

Perspectives The activity was scheduled to take place in March 2019. PAPU was to fund EACO to harmonize their policies in the area of

addressing and post codes.

49

NB: The Action Program (2016-2020) was not executed at 100% largely due to persistent austerity budget. This is mostly due to the low recovery

rate of Member States' contributions.

50

Annex 3

STATUS OF COOPERATION AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED BETWEEN PAPU AND STAKEHOLDERS/PARTNERS DURING THE 2016/2017 –

2019/2020 CYCLE

S/N Organization/Country Designation of the

Agreement

Key areas of cooperation / Activities Remarks

1. China

2 years renewable by tacit

agreement.

On February 24, 2021, the

two parties met and mutually

agreed to renew the

agreement.

The agreement was signed

on March 27, 2019

- Increase exchange of information and

documentation related to postal matters;

- Harmonize, as far as possible, their positions

on matters of common interest at the global

arena;

- Co-operate together with the purpose of

developing stronger relations with the UPU,

and for further improvement of its functioning;

- Exchange views on preparations for UPU

Congresses and meetings.

- Co-operate as far as possible in matters

relating to the development of postal sector in

both Africa and China by exchanging

experience and relevant documentation;

- Invite each other to attend meetings of their

In the past two years, the two sides

worked closely together in such areas

as personnel training and affairs related

to international organizations within the

framework of the MoU, with satisfactory

results achieved.

From 29th November to 12th December,

2019 was organized in China, a

seminar on postal service for promoting

trade facilitation for developing

countries.

China will continue to organize

personnel training in e-commerce and

other aspects for the postal officials of

51

major bodies, as observers, in accordance

with the rules of procedures of such bodies

(PAPU Administrative Council/Plenipotentiary

Conference and meetings organized by State

Post Bureau of China).

African countries in China after the

pandemic is over. If the African side

has urgent needs, China may also

consider organizing special virtual

training courses or seminars via video

links in the event that when the

pandemic is still ongoing continuing.

2. AFRAA Signing of a revised MOU on

establishment of a Contact

committee) on February 22,

2019 at AFRAA Headquarters

in Nairobi, Kenya.

The initial MOU was signed in

1985

Objectives and functions of the Contact

Committee:

- To ensure a permanent consultation between

the African Airlines serving Africa and the

Postal Administrations of the continent,

particularly by ensuring:

o Up to date information on schedules and

links served;

o Timely payment to Airlines by postal

administrations;

o Facilitate settlement of disputes between

Postal Administrations and Airlines.

The two parties are in regular contact

as part of their respective obligations

52

o Safety and mail security;

o Quality of service improvement in mail

conveyance;

o Customs matters;

o Sharing information on developments at

UPU/IATA, etc. level;

o Training of staff on mail handling etc.

- To carry out studies assigned to it by either

PAPU or AFRAA.

3. European Conference of

Postal and

Telecommunications

Administrations

Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU)

between the Pan African

Postal Union and the

European Conference of

Postal and

Telecommunications

Administrations

The Agreement was signed

- Provide between the Parties, a framework

for cooperation in different areas of common

interest;

- Increase exchange of information and

documentation related to postal matters.

- Harmonize as far as possible, their positions

on matters of common interest during

international negotiations affecting the postal

sector.

- Develop stronger relations with the UPU, and

The Top Executives of the two parties

met regularly at their respective

Headquarters to discuss matters of

mutual interest, including remuneration

issues, etc.

53

on September 6, 2018

for further improvement of its functioning.

- Exchange views on preparations for UPU

Conferences and meetings;

- Co-operate as far as possible in matters

relating to the development of postal sector in

both regions by exchanging experience and

relevant documentation;

- Agree to invite each other, as observers, to

meetings of their respective governing

bodies, in accordance with the Rules of

Procedure of those bodies (CERP plenary

meeting and PAPU Administrative Council).

4. Tunisia Agreement between PAPU

and Tunisia Post on

establishment the Pan African

distance learning school

signed on 13th July, 2016

The aim of the Convention is to host professional

and/or academic ICT courses on La Poste

Tunisienne’s e-learning platform as a means of

promoting long-distance training and refresher

courses for senior staff of PAPU member postal

operators including the operating terms and

conditions.

5. Kenya MOU signed on 13th March, Hosting of the 36th Ordinary Session of PAPU The session was successfully

54

2017 Administrative Council organized

6. Algeria MOU signed on 18th January,

2018

Hosting of the 37th Ordinary Session of PAPU

Administrative Council

The session was successfully

organized

7. Burkina Faso MOU signed in 2018 Hosting of the 38th Ordinary Session of PAPU

Administrative Council

The session was successfully

organized

8. Madagascar MOU signed on 14th March,

2018

Hosting of the 5th Extra-Ordinary Session of

PAPU Plenipotentiary Conference, July 27-28

July, 2018, Antananarivo

The session was successfully

organized

9. Zimbabwe MOU signed on 25th June,

2019

Hosting of the 10th Ordinary Session of PAPU

Plenipotentiary Conference, 8-20 June, 2020,

Victoria Falls

On going

10. Tanzania Addendum N°1 to

Headquarters’ agreement

between PAPU and the

Government of the United

Republic of Tanzania signed

on June 24, 2020.

The main agreement was

signed on October 7, 1984

Indeed, at the time the headquarters agreement

was signed in 1984, the Value Added Tax did not

exist. The amendment signed on 24 June 2020

includes this tax, which was introduced in the

meantime.

According to this Addendum N°1: “The Union

shall enjoy exemption from Value Added Tax,

excise duty, such other taxes, duties, rates or

fees enjoyable by an international organization

under law of United Republic of Tanzania”

On going

55

Annex 4

Resolution N°…/PAPU/PC/X/2020

On adoption of the report of the Secretary General for the period 2016-2021

The Plenipotentiary Conference of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) meeting during its 10th

Ordinary Session in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe from 24th to 25th June,2021;

Considering the detailed Regulations of the Convention, particularly Article 2 paragraph 9;

Having examined the quadrennial report of the Secretary General on the activities of the Union period

presented during this session;

Having also examined the Decisions, Recommendations and Resolutions which the Administrative

Council took during the same period;

RESOLVES:

To adopt the said Report as well as the status of implementation of the Decisions, Recommendations and

Resolutions presented.

Done in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 25th June, 2021