A newly released memo from banking giant Wells Fargo has exposed a predatory scheme to dismantle the United States Postal Service (USPS). The plan involves selling off profitable segments of the USPS, slashing union jobs, and drastically increasing prices—by as much as 140 percent—for postal services. If implemented, this privatization effort would not only devastate American communities but also have far-reaching consequences for international trade, particularly for Pan-African nations that rely on USPS for affordable shipping.

How Privatization Would Impact Pan-African Nations

1. Increased Shipping Costs

The USPS currently provides some of the most affordable international shipping rates, which are crucial for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families in Africa who depend on cost-effective mail and package delivery. If Wells Fargo’s plan succeeds, shipping prices could skyrocket, making it harder for African businesses to export goods to the U.S. and for individuals to receive essential items like medicines, educational materials, and electronics.

• E-commerce Impact: Many African vendors on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon rely on USPS for low-cost shipping. A 140% price hike could force them out of the global market.
• Remittances & Care Packages: Families in the African diaspora frequently send money and goods home. Higher shipping costs would disproportionately affect low-income households.

2. Corporate Exploitation of African Trade Routes

Privatization would likely hand control of USPS operations to profit-driven corporations that prioritize lucrative markets over equitable service. This could lead to:

• Reduced service to “less profitable” regions, including many African nations.
• Longer delivery times as private operators prioritize high-volume commercial clients over individual senders.

Who Controls Global Shipping to Africa?

Currently, the global shipping market to African nations is dominated by a mix of state-owned postal services, private logistics giants, and maritime shipping conglomerates. Key players include:

1. Private Courier Companies

• DHL (Germany) – The largest private logistics provider in Africa, offering express shipping but at premium rates.
• FedEx & UPS (U.S.) – Dominant in corporate logistics but often too expensive for everyday consumers.
• Aramex (UAE) – Expanding rapidly in Africa, particularly in e-commerce logistics.

2. Maritime Shipping (For Bulk Goods)

• Maersk (Denmark) – Controls a significant portion of Africa’s sea freight.
• CMA CGM (France) – Major player in West and Central African ports.
• Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) – Strong presence in East and Southern Africa.

3. African Postal & Logistics Services

• Postal Corporations (e.g., Nigeria Post, South African Post Office) – Often underfunded but critical for local delivery.
• Jumia Logistics & Safaricom’s M-Pesa – African-based solutions trying to fill gaps in last-mile delivery.

The Bigger Picture: Neocolonial Exploitation?

Wells Fargo’s push to privatize USPS aligns with a broader trend of Western corporations extracting profits from essential services at the expense of marginalized communities—both in the U.S. and abroad. For Africa, this could mean:

• Deeper reliance on expensive European and American couriers, draining foreign exchange reserves.
• Stifling African e-commerce growth by making cross-border trade unaffordable.
• Further entrenching global shipping monopolies, leaving African nations with little bargaining power.

Conclusion: Resistance & Alternatives

If Wells Fargo’s plan moves forward, Pan-African nations must explore regional solutions, such as:

• Strengthening intra-African postal networks (e.g., leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)).
• Investing in African-owned logistics startups to reduce dependency on foreign corporations.
• Lobbying for fair global shipping treaties to prevent price gouging.

The privatization of USPS is not just an American issue—it’s a global economic justice issue. The African diaspora, entrepreneurs, and policymakers must organize against corporate exploitation before it’s too late.

The fight for the post office is a fight for fair trade worldwide.