Value of addresses

In most developing countries, there is no countrywide system of street naming and property numbering. Yet the establishment of a quality addressing system should be regarded as an essential part of a country's socio-economic infrastructure, just like electricity and water supplies. Based on the World Bank’s Doing Business methodology, the UPU is measuring the impact of addresses on social and economic development.

Measuring the value of addresses

Address networks are crucial to businesses’ ability to operate. Address networks are infrastructures that facilitate the process of doing business and, consequently, economic development.

In its 2010 Getting an Address survey, the UPU analysed the list of procedures needed to obtain an address in 32 countries. It considers procedures, documents, time and costs that a business needs to first obtain a development permit for construction and then allow the business to have a street address and all major services notified of this address.

2010 Getting an Address report

The 2010 report shows that a lack of sound addressing systems has a negative impact on companies and their ease of doing business. It also suggests that there is a positive link between the provision of addresses and the defining of property rights as well as the capability of starting a business. Other positive correlations can be made between the provision of addresses and getting credit as well as paying taxes. These findings need further investigation.

The report identifies possible actions that can be taken at the national level to pursue address development policies. By establishing four areas of analysis, the report provides valuable insights into the factors that potentially enhance or impede the acquisition of an address. Through a case-study approach focusing on specific countries’ situation, the report allows for the creation of best-case scenarios and benchmarking.