In an effort to enhance Malawi’s exports under the block,     the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (Comesa) has launched two projects aimed at formalising cross-border trade among small scale businesses.

The first project is a €15 million Regional Small-Scale Cross Border Trade Initiative (SSCBTI) while the second is a €53 million Trade Facilitation Project, both funded by the European Union (EU) under the 11th EU Development Fund.

According to a statement from Comesa, implementation of the two projects will contribute to higher revenue collection for governments at the borders, increased security and improved incomes for traders. “The SSCBT initiative is designed to address challenges facing small scale traders which include high transactions costs arising from delays at the border, high taxes and high transport costs; corruption and harassment among others,” reads part of the statement.

On the other hand, Comesa committed €920,767 [about K800 million] for initiatives under Phase III of the Malawi Enterprise Productivity Enhancement (Mepe) Project. Spokesperson in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Mayeso Msokera, said implementation of the activities was expected to set cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the targeted sectors on a path to build their competitiveness and sustainability..