Informal cross-border trade (ICBT) – which can also be referred to as small-scale cross-border trade – is pervasive in Africa, and while estimates vary, they all indicate that it constitutes a significant part of total intra-African trade.

Rwanda is a case in point, as according to a report from the Ministry of Trade and Industry entitled “National Cross-Border Trade Strategy: 2012–2017,” informal exports to neighboring countries higher than formal exports. As such, ICBT has important economic and social implications, making it an essential issue from an inclusion and sustainable development perspective.

To this end, MINICOM has managed to leverage significant support from development partners to support Cross Border Trade (CBT) prosperity in the country and in the region. Partners active in support include, Trade Mark east Africa & the World Bank through its Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project which is funding development of key trade infrastructure which include construction of Cross Border Markets (CBMs) in Nyamasheke , renovation and upgrade of Kamembe Airport  and Construction of Bugarama Cross  Border Market.

Thus, the on-going awareness activities aim to promote Cross Border Trade facilitation; sensitize the border community (cross border traders, border agency officials, local authorities, etc.) on the operations of STR and its key pillars (common list, value threshold of USD 2,000, and Simplified Customs Document);  educate traders about key regional market requirements to ensure smooth CBT operations. The target audience includes traders, district officials, border agencies and private sector associations