East African digital postal service MPOST has officially launched its e-P.O. Box system in Rwanda, designed to transform the postal experience for millions of Rwandan citizens.
Launched in 2016, MPOST is a platform that enables the conversion of mobile numbers into official virtual addresses, allowing notifications to be sent to clients whenever they receive mail through their postal addresses. The system is currently running in Kenya.
The startup, which raised Series A funding in 2019, announced in December last year that it had relocated its headquarters from Nairobi to Kigali. It has now launched its service in Rwanda, underscoring its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and efficiency in postal services across Africa.
Read also: Applications are open for Obuntu Launchpad for Africa-focused fund managers.
Currently, less than one percent of Rwanda’s population is attached to a post office, with the system often characterized by long queues and limited accessibility. MPOST’s e-P.O. Box system will enable Rwandan citizens to convert their mobile phone numbers into formal postal addresses, allowing more individuals and businesses to receive mail and parcels directly to their mobile-linked e-P.O. Box. This eliminates the need for physical PO boxes and provides a seamless and convenient postal experience.
“The virtual platform aims to reach over five million citizens within the next three years. By integrating local postal services and leveraging the high mobile phone penetration in Rwanda, MPOST aims to offer an inclusive solution that caters to both urban and rural populations,” the startup said. “The platform prioritizes security and data protection, incorporating robust encryption measures to safeguard user information and ensure the confidentiality of communications.”
