The Pan African Postal Union (PAPU), a specialized agency of the African Union (AU) was born in 1980 following the decision of the Plenipotentiary Conference of 35 OAU member countries during a meeting held on 8th to 18th January 1980 in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania. The purpose of forming the Union was to spearhead the development of postal services in Africa.
