Tripartite Bodies Consult Cross-Border Traders on New Simplified Trade Framework
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have strengthened efforts to support informal cross-border trade through a two-day consultative meeting on the Tripartite Simplified Trade Regime (TSTR) Framework, held from 24–25 November 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The meeting brought together women and youth traders, cross-border traders’ associations, civil society organisations and representatives from the three Regional Economic Communities. The TSTR aims to ensure that small-scale traders—who form the backbone of cross-border commerce in the region—benefit from simplified procedures, reduced barriers and an expanded market under the Tripartite arrangement.
Participants at the meeting, particularly women and young entrepreneurs, expressed strong support for the proposed TSTR Framework. They noted that once validated and approved, the Framework will ease the movement of goods, reduce costs, and open wider market opportunities across the Tripartite region.
Zambian entrepreneur Ms Inota Cheta, founder of SHE Entrepreneur, described the engagement as “insightful”, saying it provided a clearer understanding of how young cross-border traders stand to benefit from the harmonised system.
Mr Augustine Tawanda, Secretary General of both the Zimbabwe Cross-Border Traders Association and the Southern Africa Cross-Border Traders Association, said the TSTR would significantly broaden markets and create more opportunities for traders within the Tripartite area.
Ms Mary Malunga, Chairperson of the Women in Informal Cross-Border Trade Association in Malawi, noted that the Framework could help tackle persistent challenges faced by women traders, including harassment and gender-based violence. She said collaboration between trader associations and border officials would be essential to improving safety and accountability.
Executive Director of the East African Women in Business Platform, Ms Janice Kimaro, praised COMESA, EAC and SADC for creating space for traders to contribute to the design of the Framework. She emphasised that lessons from existing STRs across the three regions would shape a more efficient and responsive Tripartite system.
Senior officials—including EAC Senior Trade Officer Ms Prisca Mbaga, SADC Senior Trade Officer Dr Rinaldo Mendiate and Tripartite STR Project Coordinator Mr Rangarirai Machemedze—welcomed the traders’ insights. They noted that lived experiences from border environments were crucial to designing a practical, inclusive and trader-centred Framework.
Over the two days, participants were oriented on key components of the TSTR Framework, including the Certificate of Origin, Customs Declaration processes, and the Common List of Eligible Products. Discussions also covered documentation challenges, border procedures, the role of Trade Information Desks, trader protection mechanisms, and recommendations from youth and women for an effective STR rollout.
The traders’ consultative meeting precedes another session scheduled for 27–28 November 2025, which will bring together Tripartite Member States and REC Secretariat officials. This forthcoming meeting will focus on validating the Common List of Eligible Products, harmonising documentation, setting transaction thresholds and developing plans for national implementation.
