This paper explores trade union advocacy options for informal cross-border trade (ICBT) in Africa, highlighting its paradoxical position. Despite its crucial role in intra-African trade and socioeconomic development, ICBT faces significant challenges. Valued at approximately US$17.6 billion annually and accounting for 30% to 72% of formal trade between neighbouring countries, ICBT is hindered by a lack of trade facilitation, poor border infrastructure, limited access to finance and secure payment systems, as well as corruption, harassment, and insecurity. The paper advocates for trade unions to integrate ICBT into their trade and AfCFTA advocacy, support trade facilitation for members engaged in ICBT, foster dialogue between informal cross-border traders and customs authorities, and enhance traders’ access to finance and secure payment mechanisms. The central argument is that by adopting these policy measures, trade unions can help improve the precarious conditions faced by informal cross-border traders while strengthening organising in the informal economy.
