COTU-K and ITUC Africa Call for Reforms to Protect Informal Cross-Border Traders

Story by  Violet Kerubo

The Central Organization of Trade Unions–Kenya (COTU-K) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Africa today at Boulevard hotel have called for urgent reforms to improve the working conditions of informal cross-border traders under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two organizations say informal traders, particularly women and young people, continue to face multiple challenges at border points, including unpredictable costs, harassment, insecurity, delays and inadequate facilities.
The organizations are calling for simplified procedures, transparent payment systems, accountable border administration, accessible information and stronger representation of informal workers in trade-related decision-making.
According to findings presented by COTU-K and ITUC Africa, traders face multiple charges and payment delays, which reduce their earnings. Some traders also experience intimidation, harassment, confiscation of goods, theft and fraud, undermining their labour rights and livelihoods.
The study further identifies slow clearance procedures, congestion and inadequate border facilities as major obstacles to cross-border trade. Persons with disabilities face additional challenges because of inaccessible facilities.
COTU-K and ITUC Africa also point to limited awareness of AfCFTA, including its women and youth provisions, as well as inadequate access to complaint and redress mechanisms.
The organizations say unequal treatment and violence experienced by some traders highlight the need for consistent and non-discriminatory treatment, particularly for vulnerable groups.
COTU-K has called on Kenya’s trade and labour ministries, the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Busia County Government to engage workers’ and traders’ organizations on the findings and develop practical solutions.
The two organizations are also urging African governments, the African Union and other stakeholders to implement the recommendations through pilot programmes and stronger social dialogue.
Among the key proposals is the inclusion of trade unions in National Implementation Committees responsible for AfCFTA implementation.
They are also calling for the adoption of a social protocol for AfCFTA, a simplified trade facilitation regime for informal cross-border traders and stronger links between AfCFTA and African industrialization.
The organizations want greater attention given to regional value chains and production capacity, while calling for just-transition principles to be incorporated into AfCFTA implementation.
They further want governments to address harassment and labour-rights violations at border points through transparent procedures, accessible complaint mechanisms and stronger accountability.
COTU-K and ITUC Africa are also calling for full implementation and funding of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade to ensure protection, access to information and meaningful participation.
Improved border infrastructure is another priority, with the organizations calling for adequate storage facilities, shelters, water, sanitation and accessible facilities.
They are further advocating for social protection for informal workers, including access to health services, skills development, training and employment support during trade-related disruptions.
The two organizations want national, regional and continental trade arrangements to be better coordinated, building on existing regional achievements while avoiding complicated procedures.
Speaking after the statement was presented, the ITUC Africa Secretary-General said workers must be placed at the centre of Africa’s trade agenda because they are responsible for producing many of the goods and services traded across the continent.
He said African workers support the AfCFTA because stronger intra-African trade could contribute to the continent’s development, but stressed that workers must have meaningful space in the implementation process.
He also called for greater continental cooperation on trade facilitation, tariffs and industrial policies, warning that uncoordinated policies could undermine Africa’s efforts to expand intra-African trade.
The ITUC Africa leadership further emphasized the importance of social protection, particularly for women and young people involved in informal cross-border trade.
The organization said research conducted by the two bodies had documented various challenges faced by women and youth traders and called for better management of border points to make the movement of goods and services more humane, fair and just.
The ITUC Africa Secretary-General said trade unions are ready to work with governments and the AfCFTA Secretariat to ensure the continental trade framework benefits workers and communities.
He described the call as one for cooperation, collaboration and partnership between workers, governments and continental institutions.
COTU-K and ITUC Africa have committed to sustained organizing and social dialogue as they push for reforms in the implementation of AfCFTA.
The organizations say the success of AfCFTA should ultimately be measured not only by increased trade volumes, but also by decent jobs, stronger African production capacity, safer borders and improved livelihoods for communities engaged in cross-border trade.