Botswana has made historic strides on the international stage at the ongoing 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For the first time since joining the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1968, the country has been elected to the Postal Operations Council (POC). At the same event, BotswanaPost also received the prestigious UPU Postal Security Gold Certification.

Securing a seat on the POC places Botswana among 48 member states that will guide the operational and technical direction of global postal services. The POC oversees the development of international standards and regulations in areas such as cross-border mail, parcels, e-commerce, and postal financial services. Botswana’s membership gives the country a stronger voice in decisions affecting remuneration systems, service quality, modernization programs, and the future of postal operations.

For Botswana, the seat is both symbolic and practical. It provides representation in setting global rules, privileged access to technical cooperation and capacity-building, and greater visibility in the international arena. It also strengthens the country’s ability to align global standards with its domestic priorities, including trade facilitation, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.

In addition to this diplomatic milestone, BotswanaPost was awarded the UPU Postal Security Gold Certification, becoming one of only a handful of Postal Operators worldwide to achieve this recognition. The certification is granted to operators that successfully implement UPU Standards S58- which defines the General Security Measures and S59- which defines the security of the Office of Exchange and Airmail Unit.

Receiving the award on behalf of BotswanaPost was Chief Executive Officer Mr. Cornelius Ramatlhakwane, who joined leaders from across the global postal community in Dubai. The Gold Certification symbolizes secure operational excellence, leadership, and the organization’s commitment to safeguarding trust, integrity and reliability in the postal supply chain.

For Botswana, this achievement represents more than institutional success. It reflects national progress and the country’s growing ability to meet the highest international benchmarks. Alongside Botswana, Albania, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mongolia, and Seychelles also received Gold Certification, while Fiji earned Silver, and Australia, Romania, and Sweden received Equivalency Certification.

As 192 UPU member states gather in Dubai to set the 2026–2029 strategy for the sector, Botswana’s dual recognition — through its POC seat and the Gold Security Certification — underscores its position as a trusted, secure, and innovative contributor to the global postal community.