A regional body to support informal cross border traders was launched in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2009. The Southern African Informal Cross Border Traders Association (SAICBTA) will focus on strengthening and protecting informal cross-border traders at both national and regional levels.

EJN was among representatives of six countries who helped to finalise the new body’s constitution and business plan.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Small to Medium Enterprises praised the efforts that had gone into establishing a regional body to cater for the interests of informal cross-border traders and reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to support informal traders.

Southern Africa has seen significant growth in in¬formal trade. Many people have been drawn into this highly dynamic and fluid sector due to socio-economic changes such the retrenchments and increased employment rates brought on by global recession.

EJN welcomed the formation of SAICBTA as turning point for informal traders as it will go a long way towards representing their interests in the SADC region.

Informal traders face numerous challenges. Research conducted by EJN on trade in Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia has underlined the lack of an “informal trade-friendly” environment, which has been caused largely by onerous registration requirements and impediments to finance and credit. Uncertainty about customs procedures also allows border-post officials to take advantage of traders and extort money from them.

Office-bearers were also appointed at the two-day meeting attended by delegates from Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Tadeo Taruvinga of Zambia was elected as chairperson of the SAICBTA Executive Committee. His deputy is Sudecar Novela of Mozambique. Augustine Tawanda of Zimbabwe is Secretary General, and Patricia Chisi from Malawi was made Treasurer.