Chad is turning to neighbouring Cameroon for lessons on modernising its postal system, as it seeks to transform an industry facing pressure from digital disruption and financial constraints.
A delegation from the Chadian Postal and Savings Company visited Cameroon between April 28 and May 4 to study the operations of Cameroon Postal Services, commonly known as Campost, which is widely regarded as one of the more advanced postal operators in the region.
During the visit in Yaoundé, officials examined Campost’s infrastructure, including its data centre and hybrid mail processing facilities, which are central to the company’s ongoing digital transformation strategy.
The Chadian delegation also explored Campost’s digital financial services platforms, including CAMO, CAMPOSTPAY and MEI, which integrate postal services with electronic payments and financial inclusion tools.
These systems are seen as key examples of how traditional postal operators in Africa are attempting to diversify beyond mail delivery into broader financial and digital services.
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According to officials, the visit is part of Chad’s effort to reposition its postal sector as a driver of economic development, improved connectivity and financial access, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Discussions during the mission included a high-level meeting at Cameroon’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications with Minister Minette Libom Li Likeng.
Talks focused on strengthening postal infrastructure, expanding financial services, and sharing governance and innovation strategies to improve efficiency and sustainability in Chad’s postal system.
Chadian officials said they are seeking practical, regionally tested solutions rather than relying solely on external models from outside Africa.
“We aim to draw lessons from successful regional experiences to improve performance, competitiveness and modernization,” the delegation reportedly said, according to Chad’s Ministry of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Administrative Reform.
Across much of Africa, postal services have faced declining traditional mail volumes due to the rise of digital communication, forcing operators to reinvent themselves as logistics and financial service providers.
In response, institutions like Campost have invested in digital platforms, data infrastructure and integrated service delivery models to remain relevant and financially viable.
For Chad, the challenge lies in adapting these approaches to its own market conditions, where infrastructure gaps, limited digital penetration and logistical constraints remain significant hurdles.
Analysts note that while regional cooperation can accelerate reform, successful transformation will depend on sustained investment, regulatory support and institutional capacity.
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The visit also reflects a broader trend of intra-African policy learning, as countries increasingly look within the continent for scalable solutions to governance and development challenges.
However, experts caution that transferring models between countries is not straightforward, given differences in population size, infrastructure maturity and economic structure.
As Chad evaluates next steps, the focus is expected to remain on how quickly pilot reforms can be implemented and whether they can generate measurable improvements in service delivery and financial sustainability.
For now, the engagement signals a willingness to modernise and experiment, but the real test, officials acknowledge, will be in execution and long-term impact.
