This survey was motivated by the need to better understand the dynamics of ICBT in southern Africa and offer recommendations to facilitate policy responses and measures that are pro-poor. Informal cross border trade in this study was defined as consisting of easily observable goods that are traded across countries either by avoiding customs points or passing through the customs points but with intentionally undervalued declarations. The study sought to assess the role and significance of informal cross border trade in poverty reduction and trade integration in the SADC region. The study explores the link between ICBT and poverty alleviation in SADC as well as discussing the impact on ICBT of the current national and regional policy framework including the SADC Trade Protocol.

The study discusses poverty and the socio-economic overview of the SADC countries and focuses primarily on ICBT and its role in poverty reduction and improvement of people’s living standards. With an emphasis on both desk study and field research, the study explores challenges faced by ICBTs, the impact of national and regional structural frameworks, as well as the links between ICBT and poverty reduction. The study also seeks to enhance the understanding of ICBT dynamics in SADC and how the formal recognition, promotion and facilitation of this activity can be effective intervention criteria in poverty reduction.