ECOWAS PUBLISHES REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE POSTAL SECTOR

The ECOWAS Commission announces the publication of the 2024 Report on the Progress of the Postal Sector, reaffirming that West Africa’s postal network remains a key component of regional infrastructure and an important driver of community integration. Prepared by the Directorate of Digital Economy and Post, the report draws on data from the ECOWAS Digital Observatory (ECODOB) provided by Member States’ National Correspondents of Indicators (NCIs) for the period 2022 to 2024. It reviews progress at both regional and national levels and presents the current state of the postal sector across the ECOWAS region.

The report was launched during the Sixth (6^th) Council of Administration Meeting of the West Africa Postal Conference (WAPCO), which opened on 9^th February 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia. Key findings include the presence of 2,809 permanent post offices, of which 972 are connected to electronic communications networks, demonstrating encouraging gains in digital readiness. Letter-post remains the backbone of domestic postal operations, while steady increases in express and parcel volume reflect a broader shift driven by regional economic transformation. International parcel and express traffic show higher outbound than inbound volumes, signaling meaningful demand for goods originating from the region and pointing to growth potential in West Africa’s e-commerce sector. The sector employs more than 18,000 people, with female participation rising to 51.75% over the reporting period, a significant contribution to gender inclusion in employment.

The report also highlights persistent challenges, including a low density of permanent post offices, still below the Universal Postal Union (UPU) recommended benchmark and unequal electronic connectivity across post outlets. These issues reflect broader gaps in digital infrastructure and the continuing need for postal network modernisation. Nonetheless, the report identifies significant opportunities, such as growing demand for e-commerce logistics, expanding parcel services, and the potential to scale postal financial services to boost financial inclusion. It also underscores the strategic role of a modern, digitally interconnected postal network in facilitating cross-border trade and improving regional logistics.

Overall, the findings show that the ECOWAS postal sector is at a pivotal moment. Modernisation, diversification, and deeper regional integration will be critical to ensure that postal services remain relevant, sustainable, and well-positioned to support regional development and the ongoing digital transformation.

The report is available for download at www.ecodob.ecowas.int .