• The market project, is funded under the 11 European Development Fund, Small Scale Cross Border Trade Initiative.
• It will rapidly lead to increased small-scale cross-border and regional trade.
• The availability of market infrastructure near borders will increase the connection between traders.

Zambia and Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have signed a € 920,544 sub-delegation agreement for construction of a Cross-Border Market at Mwami Border between Zambia and Malawi.

Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Mushuma Mulenga assured Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) of full cooperation to ensure full completion and use of the Mwami Cross Border market between Zambia and Malawi once construction is finalized.

In a statement issued to Money FM News, Ministry Permanent Secretary Mushuma Mulenga expressed gratitude to European Union for the financial support.

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe said “modalities of implementation of the sub-delegated activities provides an opportunity for Zambia and its key stakeholders to take ownership and lead in implementation of the activities and final management of the market.”

Further, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zambia and Special Representative to COMESA Jacek Jankowski notes “the progress made through the sub-delegation agreement with Zambia will rapidly lead to increased small-scale cross-border and regional trade and facilitate life, especially for women traders with adequate infrastructure.”

According to COMESA, assessment carried out at the border, reveals the availability of market infrastructure near borders will increase the connection between traders and customers leading to reduced losses in perishable stock.

The statement says the market project, which is located in Chipata district on the Zambia side, is funded under the 11 European Development Fund (EDF), Small Scale Cross Border Trade Initiative (SSCBTI).