By Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-04 15:08:05
Job Mangwalala, a 55-year-old curio seller in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, has been running his business since 1996. Specializing in wooden carvings of animals, his products are popular among tourists, especially those from Europe. Mangwalala relies on this business to support his four children, but due to the impact of Covid, he has seen a decline in sales with fewer tourists purchasing his goods.
In an effort to expand his market, Mangwalala has begun cross-border trading, traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa every six months to sell his products in Lion Park curio shop and the Chameleon market. Despite the challenges of obtaining a business permit and paying duty at the border, he finds that he can sell more in a shorter period across the border than in Zimbabwe.
Looking ahead, Mangwalala is considering venturing into other African markets such as Botswana and Namibia. However, his plans to join a cross-border association with other traders have not materialized, leaving him to navigate the complexities of international trade on his own.
Rudo Kabete, a 40-year-old tailor in Victoria Falls, faces similar challenges in her cross-border trade selling African outfits and fabrics. Along with five other women, she travels to Namibia and South Africa to sell their goods in bulk, as they find it more profitable than selling locally. Kabete is a member of a women’s cooperative that provides support and advice, but she has not heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that aims to boost intra-Africa trade.
The AfCFTA, which brings together 55 African countries and 8 Regional Economic Communities, seeks to eliminate trade barriers and promote economic growth. By reducing tariffs and facilitating collaboration among African countries, the AfCFTA aims to create a single continental market with a population of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.
Enactment of the AfCFTA could significantly benefit traders like Mangwalala and Kabete, providing easier access to larger markets and trading networks. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, gender-based violence, and corruption must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of free trade in Africa.
Through initiatives like the Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness Training Programme, Zimbabwean traders are being equipped with the necessary skills to compete in the global market. Government support and advocacy efforts aim to ensure that traders adhere to export standards and benefit from opportunities like the AfCFTA.
As Africa moves towards economic integration through initiatives like the AfCFTA, the potential for growth and collaboration among African countries is unprecedented. By leveraging the opportunities presented by free trade, African traders can expand their businesses, access new markets, and contribute to the continent’s economic development.
In conclusion, the stories of Job Mangwalala and Rudo Kabete highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by African traders in the era of free trade. With the support of government initiatives, regional cooperation, and international agreements like the AfCFTA, traders can overcome barriers and thrive in a more connected and prosperous Africa.
