The Human Side of Regions: Informal Cross-border Traders in the Zambia–Malawi–Mozambique Growth Triangle and Prospects for Integrating Southern Africa

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the activities of informal cross-border traders (ICBTs) in the contiguous borderlands of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, in order to determine the replicability and feasibility of the growth triangle phenomenon, which was imported as a concept for economic development from Southeast Asia. It also seeks to establish whether ICBTs can satisfy their economic needs from cross-border trade. Apart from the thorough review of relevant literature, participant observations, face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions were deployed to collect the data for the analysis contained in the paper. Primary data from the fieldwork conducted at various locations in the borderlands is qualitatively and statistically analyzed. ICBTs in these areas include affiliates of traders’ associations and non-affiliates. The contiguous borderlands of the three countries comprise a young population of ICBTs with low incomes who have spent relatively few years in cross-border trade. ICBTs who have been longer in the informal trade business have graduated into formal traders. ICBT activities highlight their contribution to regional integration, from the bottom up. Informal cross-border trade provides employment and livelihoods, placing ICBTs outside extremely poor populations living below USD$1.25 per day. ICBTs also have innovative informal ways of accessing credit based on personal interactions and shared experiences with suppliers of goods. Legally establishing the growth triangle creates an environment that ICBTs exploit in order to satisfy their economic needs, especially with government facilitation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

ORCID

Christopher Changwe Nshimbi http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6245-4233

Notes

1 The surveyed border posts in the ZMM-GT on the three field visits conducted between September 2013 and November 2014 included Cassakatiza/Chanida bordering Zambia and Mozambique; Dedza/Calomue Border between Malawi and Mozambique; Mchinji/Mwami bordering Malawi and Zambia; Mwanza/Zobue between Malawi and Mozambique; Sindamisale/Tembwe bordering Zambia and Malawi; Taferansoni between Zambia and Mozambique; and Tsangano between Malawi and Mozambique.

2 Mr Tadeo Taruviga, President, CBTA in Zambia, and ICBT. Personal interview, 25 September 2013. Lusaka, Zambia.

3 Mr Wilson Chisenga, Treasurer, CBTA in Zambia Chipata Branch, and ICBT. Personal interview, 11 October 2013. Chipata, Zambia.

4 Ms Patricia Chisi, Treasurer, Informal Cross Border Traders Association of Malawi (ICBTAM), and ICBT. Personal interview, 1 October 2013. Blantyre, Malawi.

5 Mr Chambakata D. Chanza, President, ICBTAM and ICBT. Personal interview, 2 October 2013. Blantyre, Malawi.

6 Mr Elbert Phiri, ICBT. Personal interview, 8 October 2013.

7 Mr Goodson Mbewe, Chairperson, CBTA in Zambia Chipata Branch, and ICBT. Personal interview, 8 October 2013. Chipata, Zambia.

8 Mr Goodson Mbewe, ibid.

9 Mr Wilson Chisenga. Personal interview, 11 October 2013.

10 Namely, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), of which Zambia and Malawi are members, and the East African Community (EAC).

11 Personal interviews and focus group discussions, Zambia and Malawi, various locations, September–November 2013.

12 Ms Atrice Zulu, ICBT. Personal interview, 28 September 2013. Saturday Market, Chipata, Zambia.

13 Ms Malisela Zulu, ICBT. Personal interview, 28 September 2013. Saturday Market, Chipata, Zambia.

14 Ms Patricia Chisi, Treasurer, ICBTAM, and ICBT. Personal interview, 1 October 2013. Blantyre, Malawi.

15 Focus group discussion, ICBTs, 8 October 2013. Chipata, Zambia.

16 Mr Abraham Mphanza, Transporter/ICBT. Personal interview 13 October, 2013. Jenda, Eastern Province, Zambia.

17 Mr Abraham Mphanza, ibid.

18 Mr Abraham Mphanza, ibid.

19 BOMA stands for British Overseas Military Administration and has since colonial times been used in Zambia to refer to Districts or District Administration Offices, and by implication, areas in which there is a concentration of commercial activities in rural towns. Some people also use the term colloquially to refer to Government or government institutions such as the Zambia Police.

20 Mr Yafet Kanyinji, ICBT. Personal interview, 27 September 2013. Likasi Area, Mchinji, Malawi.

21 Mr Wilson Chisenga. Personal interview, 11 October 2013.