Lesotho Participates in 28th Universal Postal Union Congress in Dubai

Lesotho, through the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthati Moorosi, is participating in the 28th Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress in Dubai. The delegation includes the Ministry’s Principal Secretary, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, and senior officers.

The UPU Congress, held every four years, addresses issues such as administrative matters, union finances, modernization of postal services, the four-year Dubai Business Plan, and elections for union leadership. This marks the first time Lesotho has participated in the congress.

In her remarks, Minister Moorosi highlighted the rich legacy of Lesotho Postal Services, which dates back to 1833. She explained that the postal system has evolved over the years, integrating telecommunications, which later became a stand-alone company, and introducing financial services in the mid-2000s, culminating in the establishment of Post Bank.

She emphasized that Lesotho Postal Services is now entering the digital era through the introduction of eServices. These digital platforms allow government services, historically conducted through mail, to be accessed online. The initiative forms part of the National Digital Transformation Strategy under Pillar 5: Digital Trade. Renovations of postal premises and the rollout of ICT equipment are underway to convert these sites into eServices centres, ensuring inclusivity, particularly for rural communities.

Minister Moorosi noted that postal services now extend beyond mail delivery to support social grants for the elderly and vulnerable families. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. She stressed that digital adoption creates opportunities for commerce, government-to-citizen services, community empowerment, financial inclusion, and eCommerce participation for small businesses.

Collaboration is central to Lesotho’s vision. Minister Moorosi affirmed the country’s commitment to learning from other UPU member states, sharing experiences, and building resilient, future-proof postal systems that respond to evolving community needs. She described the congress as a platform for exchanging knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring innovative solutions.

During the congress, UPU Director Masahiko Metoki and Deputy Director General Marjan Osvald from Slovenia were re-elected for another four years. Minister Moorosi congratulated them, emphasizing their leadership and dedication to advancing postal services globally.

She reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to advancing postal services as trusted platforms for eServices and eCommerce, connecting tradition with innovation to ensure relevance in the digital era. Minister Moorosi expressed gratitude for the learning experiences and friendships formed during the congress and looked forward to continued collaboration with the UPU and member states to strengthen postal services and drive inclusive, sustainable growth.

The Universal Postal Union, established in 1874, has 192 member countries and serves as a forum to discuss issues affecting international postal services, including legislation, political developments, and strategic priorities.