Women are key stakeholders in Africa's economic development as they make up 70% of the continent's informal traders.

In this episode, we will explore how women-led small business can benefit from intra-African trade through the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). We are joined by  Myra Engelmann, Proprietor of Pofeyster investment, a company engaged in exporting beadwork products made by women from the pastoral communities across Africa. She seeks greater integration of bead workers in the access of international markets. 

Despite its expansion, Africa’s contribution to global and intra-regional trade remains relatively low. Many scholars and researchers attribute low levels of intra-African trade to the fact that many cross-border trade flows are unrecorded.

How far are we, as ordinary citizens, from being able to understand the deeper meaning and cultural embeddedness of informal cross-border trade, in a way that goes beyond the notion of “smugglers” as mere criminals? Is there really a need to formalize this type of trade, when it is such an integral part of the lives of those who live in the borderlands? 

To answer these questions we have invited Dr. Thomas Hüsken, Associate Professor at the Department of Social Anthropology, University of Bayreuth, who talks about how the phenomenon of informal cross-border trade is interlinked with culture.

This podcast is provided by the International Trade Centre (ITC) for information purposes only. Reference to any specific product, service or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ITC. Information or opinions provided by guests in this podcast are based on their own experiences and knowledge and can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of, or endorsement by, ITC. Views expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily coincide with those of ITC, the United Nations or the World Trade Organization.

A crucial element of e-commerce is the timely and reliable delivery of goods. Postal service is the crux of this.

Today we are joined by Mr. Dan Kagwe, Postmaster General of Posta Kenya, and Mr. Twahir Mohamed, CEO of Taz technologies, an innovative ICT company that is  steadily  growing in  various  African  countries.

In this episode, we discuss the need for small business owners to remain agile in changing times and the benefits of learning and incorporating e-commerce to increase business opportunities.