Traders unveil innovative solutions to transform cross-border commerce

THE Zimbabwe Cross-Border Traders Association (ZCBTA) has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at formalising and securing cross-border trade while curbing smuggling and corruption.

The new measures will not only streamline customs processes but also provide financial and security benefits to traders.
Speaking during a meeting with ZCBTA members on Sunday, the organisation’s president, Mr Killer Zivhu, outlined a plan to differentiate traders from ordinary travellers to ensure a more efficient border clearance process.

Under the new system, traders’ goods will be transported exclusively by registered cross-border transport operators, commonly known as omalayitsha, while travellers will be encouraged to use their own buses.

Mr Zivhu said this strategy will significantly reduce delays at roadblocks, as traders will no longer have to endure long clearance processes.

He said goods would be officially declared at the border, with members receiving declaration documents to present in their shops and flea markets to promote accountability and legal trade.

Following rising cases of robberies targeting Zimbabwean traders in neighbouring countries such as South Africa, ZCBTA has partnered with banks to introduce a Rand Visa Card, which will allow members to make secure transactions without carrying large sums of cash.

“People will be using this visa card when they travel outside the country. It has a lot of benefits that will be explained during the official launch in Bulawayo,” said Mr Zivhu.

He said they are rolling out a funeral insurance scheme and a banking initiative tailored for cross-border traders.
To further facilitate trade, ZCBTA is in talks with financial institutions to assist in transporting goods from key trading hubs such as South Africa, Tanzania and Botswana. This move aims to reduce logistical challenges and ensure that traders can access goods at competitive prices.

Beyond logistics and financial security, ZCBTA is spearheading efforts to secure dedicated trading spaces for its members. Mr Zivhu revealed that an agreement has been reached with a bank to finance the purchase of land for the construction of a formal marketplace. The project will be self-sustaining, with the bank recovering its investment through rentals from traders. With a membership of over 350 000 traders in Bulawayo alone, ZCBTA is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s economic growth.

Mr Zivhu said the association is aligning its initiatives with the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda by promoting formalised trade, financial inclusion and digital commerce.

“Most of our traders are leveraging social media platforms such as Facebook to sell their products. The majority of these goods are imported, making structured cross-border trade a crucial component of the national economy,” he said

“As cross-border traders, we want to participate and be part and parcel of the Vision 2030.”
Mr Zivhu said they have also proposed a housing development initiative for their members, many of whom do not own homes.
“We also told the bank that most people don’t own houses, and they also agreed in principle that they can develop if we get land

so that traders can build their own homes and pay the bank,” he said.
Cross-border traders welcomed the initiatives, with Ms Netsai Madzivire highlighting the potential benefits of improved trade logistics. “This will help us travel to more destinations like Dubai and source products more efficiently,” she said.-chrocnile