Postal and courier services decline
The country’s postal and courier services registered a 4,6 percent decline in volumes during the fourth quarter to December 31, 2022, compared to previous quarter despite an increase in number of service providers during the period.
According to figures from regulator, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) a total of 521,764 postal and courier items were transmitted in the fourth quarter of 2022 which was 4,6 percent below the 547,125 recorded in the third quarter of 2022.
The fourth quarter of 2022 recorded the lowest volumes during the year while the first quarter volumes were the highest at 556 618.
Domestic postal letters fell the hardest with a 14,9 percent decline to 239 125 as the impact of digitalisation continue to set in. Postal services, particularly letters, have been overtaken by technology with the emergence of short messaging services (SMS) and social media services that are faster and convenient, becoming more popular as modes of communication.
Domestic courier and international outgoing courier volumes went down 9 percent and 10 percent respectively while incoming international courier went down by 0,04 percent.
POTRAZ highlights that the number of operational postal and courier outlets by the licensed operators marginally increased by one during the quarter under review. Revenue for the period also grew 20 percent to $4,6 billion from $3,8 billion due to inflation-led price increases.
“More still needs to be done to expand the footprint of the postal and courier network. Access to postal and courier outlets is a critical success factor for the adoption of e-commerce,” said POTRAZ.
With the growing adoption of e-commerce, courier service is also expected to see growth as service providers use the service to send parcels and goods to the market across the country.
The service has also been critical during the Covid-19 pandemic period as the country relied on the service in the distribution of medical supplies across the country.
-ebusnesweekly
