Trade for Change: Women’s Empowerment under AfCFTA in Zimbabwe

This publication explores the relevance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in poverty alleviation among women informal cross-border traders in Zimbabwe. The study found that the AfCFTA has the potential to alleviate poverty among women ICBTs in Zimbabwe by creating new trading and entrepreneurial opportunities, boosting regional income, and fostering gender equality. However, women ICBTs face systemic and institutional challenges, including high tariff rates, protectionism, bureaucratic hurdles, border delays, corruption, lack of finance and education, and gender discrimination and violence. The study recommends gender mainstreaming policies and legislation to ensure that both men and women benefit equally from the AfCFTA. Overall, the publication highlights the potential of the AfCFTA to positively impact the livelihoods of women engaged in informal cross-border trade in Zimbabwe, while also emphasizing the need to address the challenges and barriers to ensure inclusive and equitable benefits from the trade agreement.