The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Small Scale Cross-Border Trade Initiative (SSCBTI) is implemented by the COMESA Secretariat with co-delegates International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The 15 Euro million project runs until 2022 and is funded by the European Union under the 11thEuropean Development Fund (EDF).

SSCBTI aims at facilitating measures specifically for small scale cross-border traders at selected border posts and in the COMESA/Tripartite region. The project focuses on reducing bribery, corruption and harassment experienced by small scale cross-border traders at selected border posts and upgrading border infrastructure at targeted border posts. The project also has a specific focus on improving standards and facilities for female traders who make up the majority of small-scale cross border traders.

The project collects and disseminates gender-disaggregated small scale cross-border data so as to increase evidence-based knowledge and inform better policy making process, and enhance the capacity of Cross-Border Trade Associations (CBTAs) to defend the interests of their members and create a safe and prosperous environment for them.