Informal Exchanges

May 9, 2022

A Portrait of the Cross-border Trader as a Woman

Being a cross-border trader in Africa is tough enough, and all the more challenging when you're a woman. Burdened with administrative and gender-related abuses at the borders, not only are these women's basic rights and personal safety endangered, but their entrepreneurial potential and contribution to Africa's economic development are also hindered. Join trade facilitation experts Lily Sommer and Edwin Gaarder with trade and gender expert Faith Tigere Pittet as they take a closer look at the role of women in African cross-border trade -- with all the risks, challenges, and opportunities that come with it. Also hear this episode's Border Voice from Elizabeth, a trader crossing the Chirundu border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Informal Exchanges brings you stories of movement, resilience, and innovation at the African borders, all wrapped in an informal exchange.

May 2, 2022

Trailer

March 28, 2022

COVID-19 woes and wonders of small-scale traders

African small-scale cross-border traders have taken a substantial economic blow from the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing the precarity of their livelihood and the deep-rooted inequalities in the region underpinning the changing landscape of African cross-border trade. Join trade facilitation experts Lily Sommer and Pierre Bonthonneau with trade specialist Nyembezi Mvunga on our Border Insights segment. They explore the pandemic's aftermath, looking at traders' response, recovery, and innovations. Stick around to hear this episode's Border Voice from Nathalie and her COVID-19 experience being a cross-border trader. Informal Exchanges brings you stories of movement, resilience, and innovation at the African borders, all wrapped in an informal exchange.