The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Kenya) (COTU-K) and the International Trade Union Confederation's African Regional Organisation (ITUC-Africa) have urged African governments to adopt a Simplified Trade Facilitation Regime for informal cross-border traders. This call aims to address systemic obstacles that undermine trader livelihoods at key border points. The unions emphasized the importance of protecting informal traders, many of whom are women and youth, from exploitation and unpredictable trade costs. According to Adams Barasa, Assistant Secretary General (Administration) of COTU-K, trade at borders is a lifeline for thousands of workers and their families.
A recent study by the Africa Labour Research and Education Institute revealed a harsh reality of unofficial fees, harassment, threats, and poor infrastructure at borders, depriving traders of their hard-earned income. Traders often face arbitrary multiple charges and extortionate unofficial payments that reduce their earnings. Harassment in the form of intimidation, threats of arrest, confiscation of goods, and outright theft further endangers their livelihoods. Moreover, slow customs clearance processes, congested crossings, and inadequate facilities exacerbate delays and create accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities.
The lack of clear, accessible information and weak representation further leaves informal traders vulnerable and uninformed about their rights and available protections under AfCFTA frameworks. To address these challenges, the unions demanded that African governments implement strong measures to end border extortion and arbitrary enforcement actions. These measures include the institution of transparent charges coupled with mandatory receipts, easy-to-use complaints mechanisms, and robust accountability systems to root out corruption and abuse.
The unions also called for urgent investment in upgrading border infrastructure to include safe trading spaces, adequate storage, shelter, clean water, sanitation, and facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. Such enhancements are vital to creating an enabling environment where informal traders can operate with dignity, safety, and predictability. The meaningful inclusion of informal workers, especially women and youth, in decision-making processes related to border management and AfCFTA implementation is also crucial.
COTU-K further called upon Kenya's trade and labor ministries, the Kenya Revenue Authority, and Busia County Government to urgently engage with worker and trader organizations to address the urgent concerns highlighted in the research and border testimonies. The unions insisted that the success of AfCFTA must be measured not just in trade volumes or tariff rates, but in decent jobs, safer borders, and the economic security of all workers, formal and informal alike.
The launch of the Trade Unions in Africa Advancing Equitable AfCFTA Project in Nairobi highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges faced by informal traders. The project aims to empower African workers and traders to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. According to Barasa, without clear protocols and protections, AfCFTA's promises of seamless, equitable trade remain out of reach for those who rely on borders for their daily survival.
As the AfCFTA continues to expand Africa's economic horizons, trade unions emphasize that its success depends on addressing the concerns of informal traders. The unions' demands aim to ensure that the benefits of AfCFTA are shared equitably among all workers, including informal traders who play a critical role in Africa's economy. The Kenyan government and other stakeholders must take urgent action to address the challenges faced by informal traders and ensure that their rights are protected.
Key points
- Trade unions demand transparent borders and better protection for informal traders to address exploitation and unpredictable trade costs.
- The adoption of a Simplified Trade Facilitation Regime and strong measures to end border extortion are crucial to protecting informal traders.
- The meaningful inclusion of informal workers in decision-making processes related to border management and AfCFTA implementation is essential.
