DOI: 10.36347/sjebm.2015.v02i07.004

Pages: 686-697

The main objective of this mixed methodology paper is to investigate the challenges, complexities, red-tapes and constraints affecting small-scale cross-border traders. The focus is on traders doing business between Zambia and South Africa. The paper is encouraged by the current increase of this market between Zambia and South Africa. The majority of the traders are informal based, and conduct unregistered activities. The majority were from Lusaka (75%), Kitwe (8.3%), Ndola (5.5%), while others came from the rest of Zambia (11.1%). Traders are faced with anxiety, fear and other psychological challenges because of anticipation of Xenophobic violence against foreigners in South Africa. In addition, long distances on the road from Zambia to Johannesburg, and back are strenuous. Traders also are confronted with extended period of time on business away from home and unfriendly customs and police officials at the border and on the roads. Border officials should be re-educated with regard improvement of relations with immigrants. Officers must comply with international migration regulatory frameworks to promote regional economic growth.