Scheduled for 24–25 November 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, this meeting brings together participants, including youth and women traders, cross-border trader associations (CBTAs), civil society organizations, and representatives from COMESA, EAC, and SADC. Key discussions will cover an overview of the Tripartite STR Framework, essential trade documents such as the Certificate of Origin and Customs Declarations, the Common List of Eligible Products, and gathering insights from youth and women on the implementation of the STR.

The Framework, developed collaboratively by COMESA, EAC, and SADC, is designed to enable Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs) to access tariff preferences and enhance regional integration. It promotes key trade facilitation principles such as simplicity, transparency, standardization, and harmonization of customs and border procedures, aligning with regional integration objectives.

The TSTR is grounded in a mutual commitment from COMESA, EAC, and SADC to ensure that small-scale traders—who represent a substantial segment of cross-border trade—can derive real benefits from the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA). Traditionally, without a simplified regime, preferential trade arrangements primarily favor large-scale traders, leaving out many small-scale traders, particularly women and youth, from formal trade opportunities.

This meeting with  Cross-Border Traders will precede another important discussion set for 27–28 November 2025, which will involve representatives from the Secretariats of COMESA, EAC, and SADC, as well as Tripartite Member States. This session will focus on harmonizing documentation, validating the Common List of Eligible Products, agreeing on transaction thresholds and frequency, and planning for the national implementation of the Framework.