In his latest op-ed GovInn Deputy Director Dr Christopher Nshimbi takes a look at the inclusion of female informal traders in the process of formalising cross border trading in light of the recent unrest along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border in Include.

‘The violent protests by informal cross-border traders (ICBTs) at the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe in early July 2016 came as no surprise to many familiar with the informal economy and its operations in Africa. Informal trade provides employment and generates revenues that contribute to the livelihoods and welfare of the traders, as well as to local economies. And, now, the Zimbabwean government wants to cash in on the proceeds. While there is nothing wrong with this, once again, the government’s only means of achieving its goal is through a draconian, non-transparent, unaccountable and exclusive decision-making process.’

Read the full article here.