Cross Boarder Traders Associations President Jacob Makobwe says the depreciation of the currency and steep exchange rates that is now becoming frequent has negatively impacted small scale cross traders, especially importers who trade with other countries in the region.
Makobwe says small scales traders have been finding it difficult to conduct trade with other countries because the kwacha keeps depreciating making it difficult for cross border traders to purchase commodities in other countries. He says the volatility of the currency has caused transportation costs to go high making it difficult for cross border traders to afford these expenses.
“The country’s economy has experienced a lot of changes such as the depreciation of the kwacha that has negatively affected trade for cross border traders. We have also witnessed harsh environmental impacts such as cyclones that hit neighboring countries. These disasters have greatly affected trade for small scale trades that or finding it difficult to locate where to purchase their commodities who used the effected routes.
Makobwe has also disclosed that his association is working on launching a sensitization campaign that will aim to inform its members crossing the borders on the simplification of trade through bilateral agreements that Zambia has signed with other countries and the impact of continental free trade area on cross border trade.
He says it is important for people to understand the requirements of different borders that they are crossing so they cannot be exploited and venture in bad vices such as corruption when crossing the borders.
He however says poor infrastructure at the borders has greatly affects trade in the country. He says some border areas stop operations at specific hours which become life treating for people who arrive at the borders late as they are not allowed to cross into the country but rather spend their night at a place without proper accommodation and sanitation.
He stated that there is need for government to consider investing in infrastructures at border posts so as to make trading easy for small scale traders.
