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Informal Cross Border Trade in Southern Africa and how the Sector will Recover
Society Talks
6 May 2020

Informal Cross Border Trade in Southern Africa and how the Sector will Recover

In the third instalment of Society Talks, the conversation centered on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the small-scale cross border trade. Panelists included Regina Kanyimbiri of the Malawi Cross Border Traders Association, Jacob Makambwe of the Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association (Zambia), Dr Talkmore Chidede of the Trade Law Centre, and Augustine Tawanda of the Zimbabwe Cross Border Traders Association; hosted by Christabel Phiri, Programme Manager at Southern Africa Trust. 

With the closing of borders, citizens from neighboring countries who engage in small-scale cross border trade have been negatively affected, both in terms of the economy and employment, poverty alleviation, food security and the support of vulnerable people. 

Talkmore opened the discussion saying that while he recognizes the necessary and valid measures that governments have put in place to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, they have had a negative effect on the export and import of goods and services across borders, specifically the informal cross border traders. This includes a massive loss of employment and increased poverty across the continent, due to the restrictions of movement of anything other than essential items. 

Jacob spoke of the impact on Zambian women who cannot cross into bordering countries: Malawi, Zimbabwe, DRC. He also mentioned that the access to personal protective equipment, like masks and hand sanitizer, has been difficult due to limited capital of traders and their remoteness. He spoke on a recent instance of DRC traders overcoming the border security to enter Zambia, out of desperation to access the commodities they cannot get in DRC. Jacob also spoke on the Zambian relief fund established to support SMEs and how their Cross-Border Trade Association was advocating for small-scale traders to receive some of this bale out money. 

Looking at interventions that are needed, Talkmore spoke of the need for governments not to restrict trade of cross border traders during the pandemic. He also mentioned the need of access to financial support and non-financial support to be provided by the government, like simplified trade regimes, that are entrenched in legal binding instruments (to make it easier for other regions to adopt and enforce). Talkmore spoke of a need to digitize many of the border processes, to speed up the process of distributing essential food across borders. 

Augustine spoke of how the Association in Zimbabwe has split their issues into social and enterprise-related efforts, engaging with the government on the post-COVID recovery. Focusing more on the enterprise side, they have advocated on how they can resuscitate the livelihood of CBTs with various interventions:  1 – a review of the restriction of movement; 2 – there needs to be a strong database; 3 – the capital base of traders has been decimated, so they need a strategy that can provide capital to them (revolving funds).

Regina shared Malawi’s issues, starting with the travel restrictions and the fact that so many of the suppliers have had to shut their doors. As with the other regions, small scale trade has been dramatically impacted, with many traders using their minimal capital for survival, rather than trade. Measures to be taken include funding allocated to small traders, to allow women to look at other trade opportunities during the pandemic. 

Jacob spoke on Zambian’s responses for SMEs, and their coalition with other industries to approach the government with solutions. With no near end to the border closures, Jacob spoke of looking at solutions to cross border trade, one being the use of technology. He suggested bulk consignments and more communication between women traders, and the need for more formality, certainly in the processes. Also, of an appeal to government for countries to produce more of the traded items within their borders. 

Talkmore reiterated on the need for government to re-evaluate their industrial policies to ensure they are producing enough to feed the country and possibly export, rather than relying on imports. Augustine supported the view on diversification for traders, as well as connectivity between traders. He also said that government is limited in their ability to help, because of the informality and lack of data around informal cross border trade. 

A joint response is needed to support the informal cross border traders across the region, both in terms of cash transfers or bail outs, and the improving of systems and tracking, to provide the necessary information to build tangible solutions.

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Click here to watch the full webinar **Please pardon the moments of bad connectivity in this webinar. **

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Society Talks is a weekly public dialogue hosted by the Southern Africa Trust through a live stream on YouTube. The dialogue brings together stakeholders within the development and business community, civil society and the public to inform, engage and share experiences with the broader society. 

Connect and participate every Wednesday at 16h00 Central Africa time (GMT +2).

 

By info@southernafricatrust.org
COVID-19 Economic Relief Packages and the Future of Social Protection
Society Talks
29 April 2020

COVID-19 Economic Relief Packages and the Future of Social Protection

In the second instalment of Society Talks, the conversation centered on the economic relief responses from government that have been made available to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also looking at the gaps in policy and what needs to change in future. Panelists included Isobel Frye, Director of Studies at the Inequality and Poverty Institute, Herbert Jauch, Chairperson of the Economic and Social Justice Trust (Namibia) and Deprose Muchena, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International; hosted by Masego Madzwamuse, CEO of Southern Africa Trust. 

Isobel opened the discussion with a summary of the social security structure in South Africa, particularly aimed at children, pensioners, the disabled and a few other small groups, but with a massive gap for the working population. The advent of COVID-19 showed the faults in the system, starting with the numbers of people living below the food poverty line, the informal traders and piece workers who saw a complete severance of income, as well as delays in unemployment benefit payments. Outcomes saw protests and riots, mainly over food. Isobel and her peers expressed more concern at the lack of subsidies for informal workers – the existing emergency relief fund was mostly going out as food parcels rather than income. She said that money in the hands of the informal workers stimulates the local economic development, whereas food parcels undermine the local food production chains.

Herbert added to the conversation, with a reference to a basic income grant in Namibia, pre-COVID, that was based on the structure of the local employment structure. Mentioning the huge gaps in the distribution of wealth in Namibia, much like in South Africa, Herbert agreed with Isobel’s point on how money, rather than food, encourages economic activity. In a pilot project in an eastern region, the basic income grant in Namibia showed an improvement in education outcomes (less children leaving school early) and increased use of the local clinic, which increased levels of health awareness. Unfortunately, the grant has still not been implemented in government. In response to the pandemic, with the collapse of certain industries, like tourism, the government introduced the emergency income grant, which was paid out to people who could prove their loss of income, and who were not receiving any other grants. The outcome of giving people cash rather than food, empowers them to decide what they need to spend the money on.

In response to a question on care work, Isobel touched on the necessity of grants for caregivers, as well as for community health workers. In relation to the rights of migrant workers, particularly the informal cross border traders who have been seriously impacted by the pandemic, Isobel mentioned that this sector is not included in grant allocation, unlike refugees and asylum seekers. 

Discussing how the most vulnerable groups are reached, Herbert explained how a basic income grant available to all, would be better and more affordable than trying to determine who is eligible. 

Deprose weighed in on the trends in the region, outlining three main issues that have emerged:

  • The pandemic arrived at a time when there were pre-existing political economic conditions, that have hindered a region’s ability to respond effectively (mass unemployment, mass poverty and inequality).
  • The inequalities are not just in income – gender, generational, able-bodied vs disabled – the response has been largely economic. Aggressive social policies are required to address the needs of the people. 
  • There is a need to free the states from capture and show them that it is their responsibility to meet the needs of poor people, not just in times of COVID-19. Creating the means for local economy and job development, a right respecting economy.

To realize the dream of social inclusion, the post-pandemic economy and social order cannot be built on what we had before. It is a time for inspirational leadership, to sustain energy on the gains we have seen during the pandemic – the rethinking of the social and economic order for the future.

Click here to watch the full webinar

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Society Talks is a weekly public dialogue hosted by the Southern Africa Trust through a live stream on YouTube. The dialogue brings together stakeholders within the development and business community, civil society and the public to inform, engage and share experiences with the broader society. 

Connect and participate every Wednesday at 16h00 Central Africa time (GMT +2).

 

By info@southernafricatrust.org
Reflecting on the Southern Africa Region’s Different Responses to COVID-19
Society Talks
24 April 2020

Reflecting on the Southern Africa Region’s Different Responses to COVID-19

In the first instalment of Society Talks, the conversation centered on the responses of various governments in the SADC region, just after the announcement of projected COVID-19 numbers in Africa: a million infections, with 300 000 expected fatalities. Panelists included Nnimmo Bassey, Environmental Justice Advocate and Director at Health of Mother Earth Foundation (Nigeria), Liepollo Lebohang Pheko, Political and Feminist Economist, Public Intellectual and Senior Research Fellow at Trade Collective, and Nancy Kachingwe, Consultant specializing in women’s rights, public policy and advocacy strategy; hosted by Masego Madzwamuse, CEO of Southern Africa Trust.

Nnimmo Bassey opened the discussion, with his views on their ported COVID-19 numbers in Africa, and his concerns on the showmanship that is emerging. He expressed his opinion that many are treating the pandemic as a marketing opportunity, citing Bill Gates for investing in a number of factories who seek to manufacture a vaccine.

Liepollo Lebohang Pheko spoke on the language of lockdown and how she found it very disturbing. Likening the lockdown to a form of incarceration, she touched on the restriction of movement through border closure and then went on to talk about the economics, and the approaches taken by different governments to address it. Looking at South Africa’s relief fund to augment social welfare grants, child support grants, to assist people not on any form of grant or eligible for UIF, and help businesses to keep going – a sharp contrast to the 2008 relief model, which was entirely corporate. The marked difference in the focus towards humanity and welfare across the continent, as well as the view to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, possibly unregistered, has been very welcome. She mentioned that the terms that different states are using (State of National Emergency, National Health Emergency, National Disaster) has given the executives, the army, the police, and the criminal justice machinery the opportunity to intervene as they see fit.

Nancy Kachingwe looked at the gaps that exist for emergency health care responses in different countries. Examining the various types of political economies that exist: patriarchal, top down, conservative, secretive and non-transparent, hesitant to open up to real dialogue and to be responsive, often focused on outsourcing contracts rather than real service delivery, was something she thought should be talked about. Looking at health and medical responses, Nancy termed the current state as ‘threadbare’, emphasizing how the pandemic has brought its inadequacies sharply into focus. In terms of demographics and socio-economic realities, she said it is very clear that our states don’t have the data or a grip on the day-to-day realities, and that their pandemic response plan has not been broad enough to cater for all these varying groups.

In response to a question of what strategies are needed to move forward, Nnimmo started by stating that no country in the world was ready with their health response to this pandemic. He said that it is time for Africa to look at the health of the environment. He also mentioned that the global ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19 cannot work in Africa, because of the social fabric of community and family living.

Lebohang theorized the need for a common fund, trust or forum for modelling alternative ideas. She also spoke about mainstreaming the alternative ideas, bringing a voice to student and feminist movements. Nancy spoke of the need for more accurate data to provide depth and understanding for better adapted policy responses.

It is a time to reframe and renegotiate toxic trade agreements, so that African countries can be more interdependent on one another. This [the pandemic] is a warning to change and prepare the economic directive to be more holistic, looking at the reproductive economy, the care economy, health and environment.        

Click here to watch the full webinar.

=========================

Society Talks is a weekly public dialogue hosted by the Southern Africa Trust through a live stream on YouTube. The dialogue brings together stakeholders within the development and business community, civil society and the public to inform, engage and share experiences with the broader society.

Connect and participate every Wednesday at 16h00 Central Africa time (GMT +2).

 

By info@southernafricatrust.org
pexels-omotayo-tajudeen-3213283
Our Impact
6 April 2020

Women Cross Border Traders Campaign – Interview with Mrs Sibongile Chilinga

By info@southernafricatrust.org
SADC Regional CSO Consultation on the COVID-19 Crisis
News
3 April 2020

SADC Regional CSO Consultation on the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

On the 2nd of April 2020, the Southern Africa Trust, together with the SADC Council of NGOs (SADC CNGO), convened a regional dialogue with civil society organisations to discuss and establish a common call for action amongst civil society actors in the SADC region in response to the COVID-19 global crisis. The dialogue provided a platform to share information, track the impact of COVID-19 on civil society institutions in the SADC region and draft common action points and commitment to effectively respond to COVID-19. About 20 regional organisations were in attendance, representing national associations of civil society, social movements, public health organisations, youth, refugees and migrants, ex-miners, small-holder farmers, rural women, women’s organisations, informal cross border traders, faith-based organisations and the private sector, among others.

List of Participating Organisations

  • ACT Alliance (Ubambano)
  • East and Southern Africa Farmers’ Federation (ESAFF)
  • Economic Justice Network (FOCISSA)
  • EQUINET – The Network on Equity in Health in Southern Africa
  • Gender Links
  • International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (Southern Africa)
  • Rural Women’s Assembly
  • SADC Council of NGOs
  • SAFAIDS
  • Sonke Gender Justice
  • Southern Africa Cross Border Traders’ Association (SACBTA)
  • Southern Africa Miners’ Association (SAMA)
  • Southern Africa Peoples’ Solidarity Network (SAPSN)
  • Southern Africa Trust
  • Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF)

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Click here to access the call to action.

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By info@southernafricatrust.org
Supporting women cross border traders in Zambia
Our Impact
17 March 2020

Supporting women cross border traders in Zambia

The Southern Africa region sees a high number of women cross border traders who ply their trade with their grown and handmade produce. Access to services and information empowers these traders to operate more efficiently within respective customs laws.

We recently co-hosted a campaign in Zambia with the Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association (SACBTA) where we launched the SMS platform which Cross Border Traders can use to get assistance with trade-related matters especially at border ports.

By info@southernafricatrust.org
Southern Africa Trust Statement of Action
News
10 March 2020

Southern Africa Trust Statement of Action

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it unprecedented circumstances globally that have necessitated action-based interventions and reflections on present policy stances across industries. The gradual easing of lockdown regulations within the Southern Africa region to ensure paced economic rejuvenation amidst the crisis, has created a conundrum of development. Governments have to balance the livelihood of citizens and economic functionality, a win for the private sector at the cost of the public.

The lockdown regulations implemented were not inclusive to communities of poor socioeconomic backgrounds nor to those who form part of the informal sector, migrants or small-scale farmers.

Since the start of the pandemic our primary concern has been towards women, informal and cross-border traders, small scale farmers, migrant workers and refugees, domestic workers, small businesses, and ex-mineworkers in the region. These are individuals who are typically primary economic providers for their families but are vulnerable to exposure to the virus and the economic shocks therewith. It has therefore been a critical task and goal for civil society organisations that work with these groups of individuals and entities to find amicable solutions to provide relief and financial assistance.

With the number of COVID-19 infections, deaths and lockdown measures implemented in the region, we recognise the need for consistent civil society interventions. Interventions that will be targeted at vulnerable and disenfranchised populations of our region. We stood in solidarity and made a call for action at the start of the pandemic, but we could not have anticipated the effects since then. However, many heeded the call and through engagements, bringing about many lessons about development, resulted in a point of reflection:  

  • We commend the continued resilience and adaptability of civil society organisations, communities and the SADC region thus far in their ability to grapple with theCOVID-19 reality and their attempts to adjust accordingly.
  • In times of crisis we realise that young people hold the key towards our collective ability to build a cohesive future and that future investment needs to be targeted at youth initiatives. The vibrancy of the youth civil society population has played a major role in the adaptability to the virtual reality and in finding ways to continue being efficient and influential.
  • COVID-19 amplified challenges to accessing funding for most civil organisations therefore limiting their functionality. It is therefore pivotal for organisations to shift from developing funding proposals to finding ways to generate own resources through social enterprise and to be sustainable.
  • Cross-border traders, women in particular, have not been able to access inputs in other parts of the region due to the lockdown and this has impacted their ability to provide and sustain themselves and their families. To address this, a back-up social protection system in the SADC region will need to be put in place. A social insurance system that can provide basic income for all citizens should such a crisis occur again.
  • As a result of  the pandemic, the world has moved into a technological and virtual era. However, the Southern Africa region and its civil organisations continue to experience gaps in these advancements. These gaps have been in the form of technological astuteness, load shedding, access to fibre, or simple access to the necessary gadgets for the beneficiaries.
  •  Due to all the deterrences caused by the pandemic, there has been a policy lag.  Governments have been using the crisis as an excuse to defer from implementing pending policies. The duty of the civil society is to find a balance between ensuring advocacy whilst holding governments accountable in times of crisis.

‍Our statement does not end here and the lessons learnt thus far will be translated to innovative interventions. We will remain engaged with civil society organisations and grassroots communities through our targeted initiatives, as we ensure the voices of the marginalised are included at the tables of policy decision making which affect their quality of life.

We firmly believe that in the same way the region has overcome past pandemics and injustices, we will overcome Coronavirus. The future of the region is in our hands.

From the Board and Executive Management of Southern Africa Trust

By info@southernafricatrust.org
Preparing for Disasters and ensuring real recovery in SADC region
News
1 March 2020

Preparing for Disasters and ensuring real recovery in SADC region

The state of disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the southern Africa region has come under the spotlight as the world commemorates the first anniversary of the Cyclones Idai and Kenneth. Exactly 1 year ago, these two natural disasters left immeasurable damage in 7 of the SADC countries, with over 2000 lives lost, hundreds of citizens left in disarray and millions of dollars’ worth of damage to homes and infrastructure.

While the aftermath of these massive cyclones resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the region, the stark reality of the state of unpreparedness for disasters was exposed. This summoned the need for a collective and proactive approach to disaster preparation by government, rescue organisations and civil society.

In response to this, the Southern Africa Trust alongside six other organisations facilitated a dialogue which gathered citizens of affected communities in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, civil society representatives and local government to reflect and contribute to a solution. The fellow organisations are the Centre of African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), Amnesty International, National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), Action Aid Mozambique, Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYOF), and SADC Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SADC-NGO).

Taking place from 2 to 4 March 2020 in Mutare, Zimbabwe, this gathering highlighted how citizens and participants have experienced existing regional Disaster Recovery Models. The report and recommendations from this dialogue will be submitted to the SADC Disaster Preparedness Technical Working Group via organisational co-members for the purposes of contributing to upcoming Disaster Preparedness Framework policy discussions within the region.

By info@southernafricatrust.org
Making Cross Border Trade work for Women in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe
News
15 February 2020

Making Cross Border Trade work for Women in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Trade and agriculture are important priorities for reducing poverty and facilitating regional integration. Although solutions to address the problems of women cross border traders and farmers in the SADC region have been articulated in national and regional policies, they are not yet having significant impact. A substantial number of women play key roles in trade and agriculture in the region yet remain the most disadvantaged participants within these sectors. In an article published by The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it was estimated that the value of trade conducted by women in the region amounts to approximately $20 billion USD annually. The SADC Food and Nutrition Security Strategy estimated that women contribute to at least 60% of total food production and provide the largest labor force within the agricultural sector. Economic policies remain gender blind, due to the lack of meaningful participation of women in policy making.   Women traders face key challenges: they are subject to gender-based discrimination, as societies remain patriarchal, with men dominating indecision-making on behalf of their families. Another issue is the distinct lack of land ownership – the land reform programme in Malawi, by example, continues to exclude women, with only 10% of land acquired through the programme allocated to women. Women rarely identify and comprehend the very policies set to govern their fields of expertise, as a result of lateral dissemination of communication that is very often not culturally contextualized. There is also a lack of initiative and political will by government and non-state actors to develop policies and create open dialogue. Limited access to finance poses further challenges Financial institutions are focused on commercial lending and low-risk entities. Women often lack surety and maintain fluctuating incomes, making loans from institutions that require regular payment difficult to obtain. The Zimbabwe Cross Border Traders Association, COMESA and SADC Secretariat provide that at least 70-80% of cross border traders are women, making a living through buying goods from neighboring countries and trading them in their region. However, high tax rates at borders – at least 90% of women cross border traders’ revenue is a contribution to government taxes – continue to reduce the potential of women operating profitable businesses. Other challenges faced by women cross border traders include corruption, sexual harassment and abuse from customs officials and inconsistent and lengthy border procedures. A study into trade at a Harare flea market showed that it is more expensive to be a female trader: toilet facilities are charged for (therefore not used by men); storage fees are high (men opt to take their goods home); and market fees, while the same for men and women, trading represents a large portion of women’s income, as they earn less than men. How the Southern Africa Trust is addressing these challenges The Trust has partnered with cross border traders’ associations and facilitated dialogue between women traders and relevant policy institutions. They have also produced culturally contextual and translated information booklets on Simplified Trade Regime and the non-tariff barrier scheme. The Trust has and will continue to organize awareness campaigns, with the participation of customs authorities, immigration, police and ministries of trade. They also plan to:
  • Provide access to capital and funding by sourcing alternative lending streams
  • Expand the customer base for women traders, offering a wider market – with an ultimate goal of supplying larger retail stores
  • Improve supportive public services, including border/custom controls, healthcare, home affairs and policing
  • Assist with general trade issues, like the current COVID-19 restrictions, which affect the livelihood of traders
 
By info@southernafricatrust.org
Southern Africa Trust CEO announced as Aspen New Voices Fellow for 2020
News
7 January 2020

Southern Africa Trust CEO announced as Aspen New Voices Fellow for 2020

The Southern Africa Trust is excited to have Chief Executive Officer Masego Madzwamuse accepted as a fellow on the ground-breaking Aspen Institute New Voices Fellowship for 2020. This is a select gathering of experts from across the landscape of developing countries who are seeking to fulfill a role as advocates and policy makers in the context of global development.

This fellowship is a one year non-resident programme which will see Masego form part of a diverse cohort of 25 development experts from 16 African, Asian and Latin American countries.  The Aspen New Voices Fellowship is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Open Societies Foundations and was established to bring the essential perspectives of development experts from the developed world into the global development conversation. The Aspen Institute is a nonpartisan forum for values-based leadership and the exchange of ideas.

“I’m very much looking forward to the journey that lies ahead as I begin this once in a lifetime fellowship with the Aspen Institute. Having worked heavily on intersection of poverty and inequality with climate change, I am ready to strengthen my capability and capacity in advocating for social and economic justice across Southern Africa.That said, I am most excited that this supports the mandate of the Southern Africa Trust which is to represent and empower the agency of the poor in regional policy processes.”says Masego Madzwamuse.

Masego seeks to engage diverse audiences across Africa on discussions about the world’s impending environmental crisis and climate emergencies and wants to amplify the voices of those who are most affected. She is available to engage on panels, requests for comment and dialogues focused on this burning topic.

For more information on the New Voices Fellowship, please visit www.newvoicesfellows.aspeninstitute.org

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By info@southernafricatrust.org