Interview with Mr. Rija Andrianasolo, Director General of Paositra Malagasy

August 8, 2025
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1. Can you present Paositra Malagasy and its strategic mission at the time of the digital?

Paositra Malagasy is a public company with a special status, this status dates back over 30 years, stemming from our role as the national postal operator. Our core mission is to serve the population with both traditional postal services and modern financial services that are adapting to digital transformation.

In October 2024, we launched a dedicated subsidiary, La Paositra Finances, which focuses on expanding financial services. This entity now holds a microfinance agreement, enabling us to offer loans and financial inclusion tools throughout Madagascar. Leveraging our network of over 250 post offices across the island, we are working to reach even the most remote communities.

2. How does Paositra Malagasy modernize its services to meet the evolving needs of citizens and companies?

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Digital Development, Post, and Telecommunications, Paositra Malagasy is actively undergoing a modernization process. Currently, we are finalizing a major project to digitize our postal savings services, which will be submitted to the ministry and advisory council by the end of July. This marks our first major step toward full digital transformation in financial services.

Additionally, we collaborate with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to offer international money transfer services via the UPU platform, linking us with postal networks globally. These initiatives help ensure our services meet international standards while catering to local needs.

3. What role does the postal service play in promoting financial inclusion, especially in rural areas?

Financial inclusion is one of our most critical missions. In rural areas, Paositra Malagasy facilitates both savings and microloans through our subsidiary. We provide accessible financial services in regions where traditional banks or fintechs are absent.

We also offer national money transfer services like “E-Mandat Vaovao, (EMV)” and Paositra Money, which come at very low costs compared to private operators. This affordability is deliberate—we aim to encourage adoption among underserved populations.

Given the low banking penetration in Madagascar, our vast physical presence across the island makes us an essential player in bringing basic financial tools to rural citizens.

4. How does the company adapt to the rise of e-commerce and the challenges of last-mile logistics?

In terms of e-commerce, we are working closely with the UPU through a project known as ORE, which is set to conclude in 2026. While we do not yet have our own full e-commerce platform, we are receiving training, support, and strategic guidance from the UPU to build one.

Logistics is a natural strength for Paositra Malagasy, particularly in the “last mile.” As e-commerce grows, we will play a key role in delivering goods reliably across even the most remote parts of the country.

5. Can you tell us about your advances in digitalization and automation of your operations?

We have prioritized digitizing our financial flows in 2025. This is part of a broader initiative to improve transparency and efficiency while combating misuse of public funds. We are working with La Poste Tunisienne, which is providing us with technical expertise to execute the project.

However, one major barrier remains funding. Paositra Malagasy operates without state subsidies and relies solely on its own revenue. We are actively seeking partnerships to secure the financing necessary to complete our digitization roadmap.

6. What public or private partnerships help you innovate and accelerate growth?

We have established a wide array of partnerships. On the public side, we facilitate mass payments for the state. With private actors, including NGOs and the pharmaceutical sector, we provide express mail services and distribute goods nationwide.

A significant example is our work with PharmaGros, one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical suppliers. We distribute medical supplies to pharmacies throughout Madagascar, highlighting the vital logistical role Paositra Malagasy plays beyond traditional postal services.

7. How does Paositra Malagasy contribute to job creation and skill development across the country?

Every year, we allocate a dedicated budget for training our staff across a range of domains, including human resources, accounting, auditing, compliance, communications, and commercial operations. We work closely with institutions like INSCAE to enhance skill development.

On job creation, our newly launched subsidiary, Paositra Finance, is gradually expanding across our national network. Out of 250 post offices, 28 are currently operating Paositra Finances services. As the expansion continues, new positions are being created in each locality.

8. What are the main challenges in transforming the national postal service, and how do you overcome them?

We face several systemic challenges:

  1. Financial constraints – we operate without subsidies, which limits our investment capacity.
  2. Logistical hurdles – vast geographic coverage and aging infrastructure increase operational complexity.
  3. Connectivity – internet access is limited or unreliable in many remote regions.
  4. Electrification – in rural zones, lack of consistent power makes digital deployment difficult.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to self-financing our transformation efforts through our own revenue and operational innovation.

9. What is your vision for the future of postal and logistics services in Madagascar over the next ten years?

Over the next decade, we foresee a significant shift toward digital platforms. Traditional letter-mail services may decline, but parcel and package delivery, especially tied to e-commerce, will only grow.

The global postal network connects 192 countries and remains unmatched in its reach. Even as private carriers expand, postal operators will continue to play a vital role in international logistics. Our strength lies in our universal service mandate and our ability to reach every corner of the country.

10. How do you perceive opportunities for partnership with institutions and investors from the UAE and Gulf region?

The potential is immense. During a recent visit to Dubai, our president engaged with many investors and Malagasy entrepreneurs. It was a clear sign that Madagascar is seen as a valuable and stable destination for diverse investments, from tourism and transport to infrastructure and technology.

Paositra Malagasy is absolutely open to partnerships and collaborations with Gulf investors, particularly in areas like logistics, fintech, and digitization. We welcome any engagement that helps modernize our services and broaden our impact.