In the bustling city of Johannesburg, preparations are underway for a significant event that seeks to reshape the future of trade for informal cross-border traders (ICBTs). On November 24–25, 2025, a consultative meeting will gather a diverse group of participants, including youth and women traders, civil society organizations, and cross-border trader associations, alongside representatives from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).The meeting, organized by the SADC Secretariat in collaboration with AGRA, is poised to establish a significant direction for cross-border trade.
This meeting aims to demystify the Tripartite Simplified Trade Regime (TSTR) Framework, presenting it in accessible terms that resonate with the everyday experiences of traders. As discussions unfold, participants will dive into pressing issues that affect their livelihood, including challenges related to documentation, product eligibility, transaction thresholds, and available institutional support mechanisms. The focus will be not just on presenting information, but on gathering practical feedback that can drive real change.
Among the key themes of the meeting is the promotion of awareness around trader rights. Organizers hope to empower participants with knowledge that enables them to advocate for their interests effectively. Each voice will matter as recommendations and insights gathered during these two days will be compiled and carried forward to a subsequent meeting with Member States, potentially influencing policies that directly impact traders across the region.
The TSTR Framework is no ordinary initiative; it represents years of collaboration among the three regional economic communities, namely SADC, EAC, and COMESA, launched in response to a collective commitment to enhance opportunities for small-scale traders. Historically, these traders, many of whom are women and youth, have been sidelined in favor of larger operations. The TSTR seeks to change this narrative, addressing the barriers that have long hindered equitable access to trade benefits.
In a region where informal cross-border trade plays a vital role in the economy, ensuring that small-scale traders can access tariff preferences and streamlined processes stands to benefit not only individuals but the broader economy. Meeting participants will explore how simplification and harmonization of trade procedures can facilitate regional integration and contribute to greater economic resilience.
As the meeting dates approach, anticipation builds among stakeholders eager to share their perspectives and experiences. The journey toward a more inclusive trading environment is one that many have long awaited, and this meeting stands as a hopeful catalyst for change. With the groundwork laid, the voices of traders will be amplified, paving the way for a future that recognizes and uplifts the integral role of every participant in the trading ecosystem.
