General News
W/A Courier Hub Depends On National Regulators Commissions-Riverson
Isaac Annan Riverson is executive secretary, Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC), Ghana. Riverson is a Lawyer and a Civil Engineer and holds B.Sc. (Hons) Civil Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and Barrister-at-Law from the Ghana School of Law.
He is a Member of International Bar Association (IBA), Ghana Bar Association, America Society of Engineers (ASCE) and National Society of Black Engineers) (NSBF).
On his recent visit to Nigeria during the 5th Bowill Errands International Courier Summit, he spoke to peter ugwu on the need for a revolution in courier sector in Africa, West Africa in particular, citing technology as an enabler in the industry as well.
Creation Of PCSRC and Impact On Courier And Postal Sector In Ghana
The creation of PCSRC in Ghana has helped a lot. Prior to its creation in 2003, we had a sector that was quite aband
W/A Courier Hub Depends On National Regulators Commissions-Riversononed, so to speak.
The operators where left to determine their own operational guidelines; there were no regulations. And those who patronize the services did not have any Government protection as required. So, the Commission was established with mandate to licence and regulate the sector.
We have managed to bring the operators under this umbrella. With that coming into force, it then implies that the operators find a ‘sanctuary’ in the Commission where issues that concern them are given adequate attention.
And the consumers or customers are offered the opportunity of been served better because they can now seek redress when they are not served well.
In all, the Commission came to sanitize the sector. And it has never been the same since the creation; when you have such Commission, solely responsible for the day-to-day activities in the sector, much attention has been focused on it. In addition, we have Government’s support to carry out our duties.
We have realized in most jurisdictions, they tend to mussel the Postal and Courier sector together with the Telecommunications.
When that happens the telecom tends to take the lions share. The reason is not far-fetched; the telecom is more buoyant. But they cannot run away from the important of the courier.
Regional bodies like ECOWAS are fighting for the proper recognition of the sector, particularly, at the national fronts; from there we move to integrations for trades. We are talking about the movement of goods and services across the borders.
Businesses n the Sector
Since the creation of the Commission in Ghana the numbers of operators have risen to 70; although we acknowledge that some of them are small operators, who can only operate within the country. There are few large enough to carry out international operations.
In other words, there are local and international categories. The local category we have small, medium and large operators, same applies to the international. Each of them pays a particular fee.
So, when a company applies for a licence we scrutinize the operational capacity of the firm and then fix them into a particular category. With time, especially, when the operations are expanding the firm can reapply and could be moved to a higher category.
What happened is that the registered operators helped us to fine the unregistered ones; therefore, the number of illegal operators in the system has reduced drastically.
In spite this, it is not easy to get everybody on board, but gradually we are making the environment difficult for the unregistered ones to operate. In essence, it has enabled the emergence of new companies, while persuading the unregistered ones to regularize their operations.
The Gains
We realized that due to the transportation difficulties we have; someone may need to move some goods from one place to another, especially parents who may have some parcels to dispatch to their children in schools at different parts of the country, may be weekly or monthly, the courier operators help them in dispatching these items.
What happens is that hence the operators are licenced, parents are very confident to give their parcels to get delivered to their children.
Now, it reduces costs, reduces number of vehicles that have to be on the road at a particular time, etc.
The operators have some fees they pay which go to the purse of the Government.
Simply put, that we are helping people realize their business agenda, restoring the integrity of the industry, while boosting the revenue of the State.
Most importantly, we had a national postal summit where we are looking at improving the quality of the service to the benefit of our people.
West African Courier Hub and Benefits
The benefits to the region will be quite enormous, because when you pull resources together, share ideas, obviously you will enjoy large economics scale.
We are calling for a West African courier hub where operators within the sub-region will have a Commission in-charge of the operations, sharing the common business tips in terms of movement of goods; obviously there will be business promotions.
First, there will partnership that will lessen tensions among nations.
For instance, it will boost the partnership between Ghana and Nigeria and other West African neighbours.
The services would have improved. Then, the African “indigenous” courier companies will feel a sense of belonging.
That is why during my presentation at the Bowill Errand’s 5th International Courier Summit I stressed for Nigeria to quickly set up a Commission; it will focus more on the solving the difficulties facing the sector.
I understand, presently, Nigeria only has a department that is in-charge of regulations. Meanwhile, the department will be consumed with issues that concern the sector.
Courier and postal industry is so large that a department cannot be able to handle all matters that arise within the industry. So, it is quite imperative that Nigeria gets a Commission; it will improve shoot the sector to a greater height.
And the operators are not supposed to seat on the fence in the quest for articulating a Commission; they feel most of the heats.
I also understand that there is a Bill resting at the National Assembly; they (the operators) need to keep educating the public who will in-turn add to their voices in advocating for a Commission to e set up.
Place of Technology in the Sector
Technology is something very crucial when it comes to the operations of the courier services, because we are talking about confidence in the system and efficiency.
The customers should be sure that their parcels are safe in your hands. So if you have tools for mobile communication and tracking equipment, it will enable the people to follow the trail of where their goods or parcels are at any point in time. The sector cannot make valuable impact in the contemporary society without the help of technology.
For us in Ghana we are looking at a model where courier companies collaborate with the telecos which will guarantee them some short codes.
The essence is to redefine the process; people can from the comfort of their homes or offices get to know about the movement of the goods and pick them up as when scheduled.
Therefore, technology id very crucial; that is what distinguishes present postal and courier industry from the days letters are dispatched from/on the horse backs.
House Numbering Challenges in Ghana
This is a very important aspect of courier and postal business. We have a body that is in-charge of house numbering.
Recently, the Presidency gave them an ultimatum to come out with a comprehensive system on the housing system.
We believe that with proper house numbering system live becomes easier for the courier operators.
Meanwhile, the system has improved over time. Just like we are clamoring for individual nations in the West Africa corridor to have a national regulatory commission, it is also crucial that proper house numbering system is in place to give the industry a clearer direction.
The point is that people shall be identified through their house numbers, because in this business the customers are not answerable to the operator alone.
Remember that in certain areas people have received dangerous parcels, like letter bomb. So, to contain that, the Government is working very hard to ensure the system is verifiable and for the maintenance of national security.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has noted the need for Nigeria to harness its demographic dividend to advance financial inclusion through investments by 2030 for national survival or face deepening inequality.
Emomotimi Agama, Director General, SEC, said this at the United Capital Asset Management Investment forum held Wednesday in Lagos.
Agama, in his keynote address titled: “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments: Bridging Nigeria’s Knowledge and Wealth Gap,” said Nigeria must harness its demographic dividend to boost investment.
“Our theme, Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments, is not aspirational; it is foundational to national survival.
“We stand at a pivotal moment. By 2030, Nigeria can either harness its demographic dividend or face deepening inequality. The knowledge-wealth gap is not merely an economic challenge; it is a moral imperative,” Agama said.
He said the term inclusion should be reframed as active financial involvement, where access meets empowerment, and capital becomes a tool for transformation.
Agama said that closing the financial inclusion gender gap could lift 700,000 Nigerians from poverty.
He said, “Nigeria has a great population yet we have a tiny drop of this number of persons involved in the capital market.
That’s one reason for poverty, because we are running from money. We have to do something. Our market capitalisation is an opportunity to do something, we all have.
“We need to change the narrative and move the market forward. We must reach out to make the difference. We are committed to protecting investors and developing the market. Our goal is to do the right thing no matter whose ox is gored. We will work by the principles of fairness and equity to change the market. We will provide a fair ground for everyone to aspire.
He noted that MTN Nigeria’s share offering drew 150,000 new investors – 75 percent women, 85 percent under 40. Agama recommended a four-pillar strategy for bridging the gaps.
He listed the four-pillar strategy as democratisation of financial knowledge, catalyse MSME Investment Channels, blended Finance Vehicles: Partner with Bank of Industry (BOI) to de-risk loans for women-led SMEs.
“We need to educate people about finances. As we drive this market, we do so for a purpose, I enjoin everyone to be the disciple and the apostles. Getting this market to move is a deliberate action,” he added.
OpenAI has launched Codex, which it regards as its most capable AI coding agent available to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team subscribers.
Users will have ‘generous access at no additional cost’ for a few weeks, after which OpenAI plans to introduce pricing options and rate-limited access.
Codex, a cloud-based software engineering agent, can write features, answer questions about a codebase, fix bugs, and propose pull requests for review. Several tasks can run simultaneously, and users retain full access to their computers while the agent takes anywhere from one to 30 minutes to complete a task.
The research preview of Codex offers powerful code-writing, debugging, and collaboration features, which mark a major step in OpenAI’s push to automate software development.
“We imagine a future where developers drive the work they want to own and delegate the rest to agents—moving faster and being more productive with AI,” OpenAI said.
Since it is still in research preview, the tool remains in early development. “It currently lacks features like image inputs for front-end work, and the ability to course-correct the agent while it’s working,” the firm said in a blog post.
Additionally, delegating to a remote agent takes longer than interactive editing, which can take some getting used to, it stated. Over time, however, the company said using the service will feel more like asynchronous collaboration with colleagues.
The launch comes as part of a broader rise of AI tools for software engineers that are meant to handle repetitive, boring tasks rather than take over the whole gamut.
OpenAI is reportedly in talks to acquire Windsurf, a maker of AI coding tools, for around $3 billion, which is potentially its largest acquisition to date.
General News
Africa Gears Up For Digital Sovereignty At 13th Edition Of Digital Africa Conference 2025
Africa’s digital destiny will on October 28-29, 2025, take centre stage at the 13th Edition of the Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), to be held at Merit House, Abuja, under the theme: “Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Digital Order.”
At a time when artificial intelligence (AI), smart systems, and data technologies are reshaping societies, economies, and governance structures worldwide, DACE 2025 is sounding a clarion call: ‘Africa must lead, not lag in this transformation.’
Organizers say the aim is to move beyond consumption and dependency, and instead position the continent as a proactive contributor to global digital norms and governance.
“This year’s conference is about shifting from passive adoption to active leadership,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman, Digital Africa Consult, organisers of the event. “Sovereign Intelligence is more than a concept, it’s a movement to ensure that Africa controls its digital resources, designs its own ethical frameworks, and asserts its voice in shaping global technology norms.”
A Defining Moment for Africa’s Digital Future
Woherem said the conference will serve as a high-level, cross-sectoral platform aimed at positioning Africa as a co-author of global AI governance standards, rather than a mere recipient, assuring that the conversations are expected to align closely with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, advocating for a united, self-determined digital ecosystem across the continent.
“The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. As the world builds its digital infrastructure, much of the technology consumed in Africa is still imported, foreign-owned, and culturally disconnected. African data is often stored offshore, local languages and cultural contexts remain invisible in AI systems, and African experts are frequently excluded from global decision-making tables.
“This must change. Digital Africa 2025 is about taking control of our data, our narratives, and our technological development. Africa must move from being users of foreign systems to creators of our own,” Woherem added.
Key Objectives of DACE 2025
One of the primary objectives of this year’s event is to advocate for African ownership of digital infrastructure, data policies, and technology standards. Organizers hope to inspire African leaders and institutions to say yes to innovation and regulation built by Africans, for Africans.
Another major focus will be amplifying African voices on the global stage. This involves not only advocating for inclusion in international policy dialogues but also ensuring that African values, cultures, and wisdom shape the design and deployment of AI systems worldwide.
“The conference will also spotlight homegrown innovation. Startups and developers from across the continent will showcase digital solutions addressing local challenges in healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. These practical examples will reinforce the message that Africa is already generating intelligent, scalable answers to complex problems,” said Nneoma Ofodile, General Manager, Digital Africa.
Empowering young Africans through digital skills, research opportunities, and leadership training is another key goal of the gathering. Organizers are committed to fostering a new generation of African tech leaders who can confidently shape global digital trends from a place of knowledge and ownership.
Regional cooperation will be front and centre, as DACE encourages cross-border collaboration on harmonizing laws, sharing infrastructure, and building integrated digital ecosystems. Sessions will explore how African nations can jointly develop policies and platforms that reflect the continent’s unique needs and aspirations.
While global partnerships will also be on the agenda, the conference aims to deepen Africa’s engagement with international institutions such as UNESCO, the UN, and the OECD, not as passive participants but as co-authors of global standards for ethical and inclusive AI.
Nneoma said that throughout the two-day event, attendees can expect high-level discussions on digital law, tech sovereignty, and innovation policy, alongside practical workshops for developers, educators, and youth. Innovation showcases will highlight the work of African tech hubs, while strategy sessions will promote cross-country digital alignment.
At the close of the event, a concrete roadmap is expected to emerge—outlining actionable steps toward achieving digital sovereignty across the continent. The conference will also aim to strengthen networks among African innovators, regulators, and thinkers, while increasing the visibility of African insights in international technology policy.
Above all, Digital Africa 2025 is about reclaiming agency. “This isn’t just a technology conversation,” Nneoma emphasized. “It’s about power, voice, and independence. Africa must not only catch up; Africa must lead.”
As preparations intensify, DACE 2025 is inviting visionary organizations, sponsors, and partners to join the mission of building a digitally sovereign and inclusive Africa.
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