Rabat hosts third Arab postal leaders forum with focus on digital transformation

The two-day forum aims to explore ways of supporting the rapid changes in the postal sector amid the sustained growth of e-commerce and the digital economy.

The opening ceremony of the Arab Postal Leaders Forum in Rabat, Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The third edition of the Arab Postal Leaders Forum kicked off on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Rabat, hosted by the Barid Al-Maghrib group in partnership with the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

Held under the theme “Transforming Postal Logistics Chains for a Digital Future Focused on E‑Commerce,” the two-day forum aims to examine how to keep pace with the rapid changes reshaping the postal sector amid the steady expansion of e‑commerce and the digital economy.

This gathering offers a real opportunity to strengthen consultation and coordination among sector players in order to build a more integrated and efficient Arab postal and logistics system that can adapt to global shifts, said Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour on the occasion.

Mezzour reviewed the various challenges facing the postal sector in the Arab region, including the accelerating transformation of trade and consumption patterns, the rising volume of e‑commerce, and the growth of cross‑border digital transactions. He stressed the importance of developing smart, interconnected infrastructure and adopting innovative technological solutions and advanced digital services.

“Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, places special emphasis on modernising the postal sector and logistics services, developing e‑commerce, strengthening the digital transition, and improving the business climate in line with the best international practices and standards,” he said.

For his part, Amin Benjelloun Touimi, director general of the Barid Al-Maghrib group, noted that postal institutions in the Arab world must tackle several challenges, notably modernising logistics networks, building digital infrastructure, using artificial intelligence, and analysing data. He also highlighted the need to boost e‑commerce and facilitate small and medium‑sized enterprises’ access to regional and international markets.

According to him, enhancing coordination among postal institutions and developing partnerships with players in the transport, technology, and e‑commerce sectors are key to advancing the sector in the Arab region. He noted that Morocco has made digital transition and economic integration fundamental drivers of comprehensive development.

Speaking via videoconference, Masahiko Metoki, director general of the UPU’s International Bureau, emphasised that e‑commerce, digital technologies, and evolving consumer expectations have reshaped global trade at an unprecedented pace. The future of the postal sector will be determined by innovation, digital interoperability, and public‑private partnerships, he said, adding that the UPU remains fully committed to supporting the Arab region in this transformation process.

On the sidelines of the forum, a joint stamp‑issuance ceremony for Morocco and Mauritania was held, attended by Alioune Ould Issa, director general of Mauripost.

Hosting this forum in Morocco aligns with the forward‑looking vision of King Mohammed VI, who has made digital transformation and economic integration essential pillars of overall development. The event also follows previous editions held in the Sultanate of Oman in 2024 and in Qatar in 2025, reflecting the importance of strengthening Arab cooperation and sharing experiences in postal and logistics services.

Participants in the forum will discuss several strategic issues related to the sector’s future, including modernising logistics chains and postal networks, integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve operational performance and service quality, and developing partnerships between postal operators and various logistics and digital ecosystem players.

They will also examine mechanisms to support cross‑border e‑commerce, ways to ease SMEs’ access to regional and international markets, develop last‑mile solutions, and explore funding models for modernisation and digital transformation projects aimed at boosting the Arab postal sector’s competitiveness and its ability to meet the demands of the digital economy.

The forum’s proceedings will culminate in the adoption of a set of operational recommendations and a cooperation roadmap for 2026‑2027. These are intended to support e‑commerce growth, strengthen regional logistics integration, and promote a more resilient, innovative Arab postal ecosystem prepared for future challenges.

The opening ceremony was attended by the director generals of 14 Arab postal operators, as well as representatives from the UPU International Bureau, the League of Arab States, postal regulatory authorities, and several national and international figures.