COMESA, Zambia Signs Euro 920,544 sub-delegation agreement
The funds will be used for construction of a Cross-Border Market at Mwami Border
The objective of the agreement is the construction of a cross-border market, at Mwami border post between Zambia and Malawi. The market project, which is located in Chipata district on the Zambia side, is funded under the 11 European Development Fund (EDF), Small Scale Cross Border Trade Initiative (SSCBTI).
The SSCBTI supports the provision of gender sensitive basic infrastructure that support small scale cross border traders. Specific basic infrastructure at the border to cater for the needs of small-scale traders has been identified as major needs. This would minimize the constraints caused by the lack of access of electricity, transport and telecommunications. Proper border infrastructures, such as markets, storage/warehouse, health and sanitary facilities (especially for women), at border areas, will make these places less chaotic and unsafe.
According to assessment carried out at the border, the availability of market infrastructure near borders will increase the connection between traders and customers leading to reduced losses in perishable stock.
In his statement, Mr. Mulenga thanked the European Union for the financial support and assured COMESA of full cooperation to ensure full completion and use of the market once construction is finalized.
In her remarks, Ms. Kapwepwe said: “The modalities of implementation of the sub-delegated activities provides an opportunity for Zambia and its key stakeholders to take ownership and lead in the implementation of the activities and final management of the Market. COMESA Secretariat will provide the necessary technical guidance.”
Mr. Jacek Jankowski, Ambassador of the European Union to Zambia and Special Representative to COMESA stated:“We applaud the progress made through this sub-delegation agreement with Zambia since this will rapidly lead to increased small-scale cross-border and regional trade and facilitate life, especially for women traders with adequate infrastructure.”
By the end of the implementation period of the project, it is expected that there will be an increase in formal small-scale cross-border trade flows between Zambia and Malawi, leading to higher revenue collection for governments at the borders as well as increased security and higher income for the small-scale cross border traders.
The following are links to the 11th EDF programmes:
– https://twitter.com/ComesaEu
– https://www.linkedin.com/in/eu-comesa-trade-and-business-bba9701b6/
– https://www.facebook.com/EU-Comesa-Trade-Business-101295638453398
– https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4K34NDUOG3ydk0NlGJFKQ
Contacts:
Ms. Mshuka Kamwela, EDF Programme Manager, COMESA Secretariat, mkamwela@comesa.int;
Mr. Joseph Silavwe, Project Manager, EU Delegation, joseph.silavwe@eeas.europa.eu;
Ms Christiane Haziyo, Programme Officer, EU Delegation, Christiane.haziyo@eeas.europa.eu
Mwangi Gakunga
Head – Corporate Communications
COMESA Secretariat
Email: mgakunga@comesa.int
Tel: +260 971873343
Namambo DELOT
Press & Information Officer
Delegation of the European Union to Zambia and COMESA
Email: Namambo.delot@eeas.europa.eu
Phone: +260 977 774603