THE Government has challenged the Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZAMPOST) to heighten diversification strategies aimed at exploring ways to ensure that the corporation continues to thrive.

Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Permanent Secretary Muyenga Atanga said cooperation with other companies in the private sector would give ZAMPOST revenue independence as it contributes to national development.

Dr Atanga said during a signing ceremony of the partnership between ZAMPOST and Professional Insurance Corporation that diversification strategies should target areas that would assist diversion from ZAMPOST's core business.

"The great strides observed so far in the modernisation of the postal facilities that are aimed at improving ZAMPOST's operating efficiency and competitiveness as well as diversification of the postal business portfolio are a welcome move by the Government," Dr Atanga said.

He implored the ZAMPOST board to ensure that the current and future businesses of the company were properly managed by making the institution a goal-driven entity.

Dr Atanga said the partnership between ZAMPOST and Professional Insurance Corporation would see customers get life cover after sending money through Swift Cash.

And Zampost board chairperson, Elizabeth Kachamba said Zampost services more than 200,000 customers per month with more than K40 billion transactions.

Ms Kachamba said this had been achieved through innovations aimed at providing better services.

"We record over K40 billion in terms of Swift cash transactions and the number of swift cash customers has kept on growing," she said.