TradeSmart Consult Ltd believes that women’s economic empowerment is a crucial driver of regional trade and development. The company’s Executive Director, Dr. Rose Ronoh was honored to participate in the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on promoting women’s economic empowerment and fostering gender-responsive trade policies, hosted by the COMESA Secretariat in collaboration with the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility.

Held at the Zambia-Zimbabwe Chirundu Border Post, the event brought together key stakeholders including government representatives, policymakers, private sector leaders, and cross-border traders to discuss the challenges that women traders face at border crossings and how we can work together to eliminate barriers to their success.

During the dialogue, Dr. Rose Ronoh, Executive Director of TradeSmart Consult Ltd, joined industry leaders in exploring solutions to the policy, infrastructure, and security challenges that women encounter in cross-border trade. Many women traders struggle with:

1. Policy and Regulatory Barriers – Complex trade policies and limited access to information create hurdles for women entrepreneurs.
2. Inadequate Infrastructure – Lack of proper trading facilities, storage, and transportation options increases operational costs and limits opportunities.
3. Personal Security Concerns – Gender-based violence and harassment at border points remain significant concerns for women in trade.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Beatrice Hamusonde, Director for Gender and Social Affairs at COMESA, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues through gender-responsive trade policies. Mr. Brian Guyo, Deputy Director for Women Economic Empowerment in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Women Affairs, also highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in unlocking opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

TradeSmart Consult Ltd strongly advocate for initiatives that create inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities for women. Our participation in this dialogue aligns with our mission to support women and young entrepreneurs in navigating the trade ecosystem more effectively.

As the PPD sessions continue across the Zambia-Malawi border, Uganda-Kenya Busia border, and the Kasumbalesa border between DR Congo and Zambia, we remain committed to:

1. Championing gender-responsive policies that create an enabling business environment.
2. Engaging policymakers to ensure women traders’ voices are heard.
3. Empowering women entrepreneurs with the resources and networks they need to succeed.

We are excited about the outcomes of this dialogue and look forward to continued engagement in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous trading environment across Africa.