The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and the African Postal Union (PAPU) have formalized a memorandum of understanding, solidifying their commitment to enhanced collaboration in the realm of digital advancements. Their focus is on innovative solutions that will revolutionize the postal sector by integrating digital systems, aligning with the evolving demands of the market.
The signing ceremony took place in Arusha on March 7, 2024, at NM-AIST Tengeru Campus where Professor Maulilio Kipanyula, the Vice-Chancellor of NM-AIST, expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to yield groundbreaking digital research outcomes.
Professor Kipanyula highlighted the synergy between the institute's research capabilities and postal services, foreseeing strengthened research and innovation in technology that will bolster postal operations across 45 countries.
"In the era of science and technology, E-commerce has become integral to many businesses. By combining this with research, we can significantly boost economic growth," emphasized Professor Maulilio Kipanyula.
He underscored NM-AIST's expertise in ICT, with the Nelson Mandela School of Computational, Communication Science, and Engineering (CoCSE) specializing in ICT issues, including artificial intelligence and data science. The institute's ICT centre plays a crucial role in processing vast amounts of data simultaneously, supporting economic development and technological advancements in the research sector.
Dr. Sifundo Chief Moyo, the Secretary-General of the African Postal Union (PAPU), commended the partnership as a model for innovation and increased technological research in the provision of postal services to African countries.
"To foster growth in the postal sector, we must actively promote research in science and technology. This ensures that the services offered not only contribute to economic growth in African countries but also raise awareness among users about the quality of business and economic development," stated Dr. Moyo.