Posted on March, 5, 2024 at 03:20 am
At the 56th Conference of Ministers for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, cross-border traders shared their experiences, underscoring the challenges and hopes tied to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Job Mangwalala, a 55-year-old curio seller, and Rudo Kabete, a 40-year-old tailor, represent the resilience of these traders, facing hurdles yet optimistic about AfCFTA's promise of easier intra-African trade.
Mangwalala's journey as a cross-border trader illustrates the perseverance needed to thrive. Selling carved wooden animals primarily to tourists, he has seen his business decline due to reduced tourist numbers, a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. This decline pushed him to explore markets beyond Zimbabwe, finding a more lucrative audience in Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite the potential, he encounters barriers such as complicated business permit processes and high costs associated with cross-border trade.
Kabete's story sheds light on the additional layer of challenges faced by women in cross-border trade. As a member of the Lugwasyno women's cooperative, she navigates lengthy border declaration processes and seeks more efficient ways to operate within the African market. Despite not having heard of AfCFTA, Kabete represents many traders who could benefit significantly from more accessible trade across the continent, underscoring a need for better information dissemination and support.
AfCFTA stands as a beacon of hope for traders like Mangwalala and Kabete, aiming to create a single continental market that could ease many of their current challenges. With potential benefits such as tariff reductions and a larger market access, AfCFTA could significantly impact their businesses and the broader African economy. However, success hinges on overcoming infrastructural, regulatory, and informational barriers that currently hamper cross-border trade.
As traders in Zimbabwe and across Africa navigate the complexities of cross-border commerce, the implementation of AfCFTA offers a promising horizon. Yet, for its full potential to be realized, concerted efforts are needed to address the current challenges, provide adequate support, and ensure that traders are well-informed and equipped to seize the opportunities it presents. The stories of Mangwalala and Kabete highlight both the resilience of African traders and the transformative potential of more integrated and supportive intra-African trade frameworks.
Source: BNN