Monitoring Small-Scale Cross Border Trade in Africa : Issues, Approaches, and Lessons
This report synthesizes the work carried out as part of a World Bank ASA (Advisory Services and Analytics) activity to identify better systems and practical strategies that countries can use for improved monitoring of small-scale cross border trade...
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| Language: | English |
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World Bank, Washington, DC
2020
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| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/301441606885368757/Monitoring-Small-Scale-Cross-Border-Trade-in-Africa-Issues-Approaches-and-Lessons http://hdl.handle.net/10986/34884 |
| Summary: | This report synthesizes the work carried
out as part of a World Bank ASA (Advisory Services and
Analytics) activity to identify better systems and practical
strategies that countries can use for improved monitoring of
small-scale cross border trade (SSCBT). Large amounts of
goods are known to be traded through cross border channels
in Africa, yet SSCBT is poorly counted leading to a
misrepresentation of the true state of regional integration
and possible misalignment of trade and development policies.
The study assesses the strengths and limitations of existing
SSCBT data systems in East Africa to understand the
feasibility and cost effectiveness of different data
collection methods. It also looks at conditions along trade
corridors in other regions of Africa where SSCBT data are
only starting to be monitored to identify common bottlenecks
and potential solutions for improved trade data collection
in different environments. The analysis draws on fieldwork
carried out during July and August 2019, as well as
subsequent consultations with local counterparts, including
with respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through
this work, the study aims to inform policy in countries
where SSCBT is important and where the establishment of
monitoring systems will be relevant and desirable. The
project also contributes to discussions and negotiations on
regional integration by raising the profile of SSCBT and
drawing attention to the importance of addressing barriers
that limit this trade. In addition to this report, findings
of the ASA are also being shared with a diverse audience of
policymakers, economic analysts, and civil society
representatives through short policy notes, working papers,
and dissemination events. |
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