Zim, Comesa sign pact to build Chirundu border market

Zimbabwe and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) have signed a US$988 972,12 (Euro 920 544,28) sub-delegation agreement to build a cross border market at Chirundu Border Post.

On Friday Comesa said its secretariat and the Government have signed a sub-delegation agreement to build a cross-border market to facilitate cross-border trading activities by small-to-medium entrepreneurs at Chirundu port of entry, which borders Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“The Comesa secretariat and the Government of Zimbabwe, have today signed a Euro 920 544,28 sub-delegation agreement to construct a cross-border market at Chirundu border post between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“The secretary general of Comesa Ms Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Mr Moses Mhike signed the agreement in a virtual event,” said the trading bloc.

The traders’ market which is located at Chirundu on the Zimbabwe side, Comesa said, is funded under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), Small Scale Cross Border Trade Initiative (SSCBTI).

The SSCBTI supports the provision of gender sensitive basic infrastructure for use by small-scale cross border traders.

Comesa said according to an assessment carried out by a consulting firm, IMANI Development in May 2017 at five regional border posts, basic workspace infrastructure is a major requirement of small-scale traders, hence the availability of border market infrastructure would increase the connection between traders and customers and lead to reduced losses especially in perishable stock.

The assessed borders were Kasumbalesa (DRC and Zambia), Chirundu (Zambia and Zimbabwe), Nakonde/Tunduma (Zambia and Tanzania), Mwami/Mchinji (Zambia and Malawi) and Moyale (Ethiopia and Kenya).

The infrastructure to be constructed will include trading space, secure storage and sanitary facilities and decent trading environment especially for women traders.

“The provision of this market infrastructure is expected to boost formal small-scale cross-border trade flows between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“This will lead to higher revenue collection for governments, increased security and higher income for the small-scale cross-border traders.”

Comesa quoted Mhike saying the development of the Chirundu Traders’ Market is part of the Government’s thrust to develop decent workspace for micro, small and medium enterprises.

“The support from the European Union is highly appreciated and I would like to assure Comesa of our full cooperation to ensure the completion of the market and its subsequent use by the small-scale traders,” he was quoted as saying.

In her remarks, Kapwepwe noted: “The modalities of implementation of the sub-delegated activities provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe and its key stakeholders to take ownership and lead in the implementation of the activities and final management of the Market as Comesa secretariat provides the necessary technical guidance to ensure all the rules and procedures are adhered to.”

The European Union Ambassador to Zambia and Special Representative to Comesa Jacek Jankowski applauded this milestone saying construction of the planned infrastructure is an example of the EU’s support to trade facilitation across major corridors and efficient border actions.

“A market at the border is the proximity needed for small-scale traders, especially women and youths to boost their activities.

“This infrastructure will go a long way in ensuring improved and efficient trade between the peoples of the two borders and beyond,” he said.

The EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann in his remarks was also quoted stating: “We are encouraged by the step taken by the Government of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Comesa, to foster regional integration, especially in the support to small-scale traders at Chirundu border.

“The EU stays committed to support the formalisation of trade in the Comesa region and in the promotion of sustainable value chain development within the region.”-ebusinessweekly