Building Cross-Border Business Networks & Market Linkages

• Many agroecological traders stay local and informal because they lack contacts and buyer networks beyond their community.
• Limited networks mean lower prices, small volumes, and dependence on middlemen.
• Building trusted cross-border relationships helps secure better deals, steady demand, and partnerships for logistics or financing.
• AfCFTA and EAC platforms are creating new spaces where smallholders and SMEs can connect directly with buyers.

ITC’s SME Competitiveness Report (2023) found that SMEs with cross-border networks were 40% more likely to scale trade and access premium markets.

1. Why Networks Matter for Agroecological Trade

• Better market prices through direct buyer-seller links.
• Collective bargaining for transport, storage, and packaging.
• Access to donor and government programs supporting women & youth traders.
• Visibility for sustainable and organic products.

2. Types of Useful Networks

• Trader cooperatives and SACCOS: Jointly market produce, negotiate prices, and share trucks/cold chain.
• Cross-border trader associations: e.g., EASSI (Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for Women).
• Sector alliances: Agroecology & organic farming groups under
  AFSA.
• Buyer-seller platforms: Digital marketplaces connecting farmers to retailers.

3. Regional & Digital Market Platforms

Platform	Description	Link
EAC-ATKH	Regional hub for agroecological traders (market info, NTBs, logistics)	(AFSA/trapca upcoming)
Trade Information Portal – AfCFTA	Market data, tariffs, Rules of Origin, buyers	https://trade.africa
ITC Trade Map	Global & regional trade statistics	https://www.trademap.org
Selina Wamucii	Connects African farmers to global buyers	https://www.selinawamucii.com
Sokowatch/Wasoko	B2B supply platform for informal traders	https://wasoko.com
Digital Co-ops on WhatsApp/Facebook	Informal but effective peer-created groups	User created

4. How to Join or Form a Network

• Identify peers: Farmers or traders with similar crops/routes.
• Form WhatsApp or Telegram groups for coordination.
• Register as an association/cooperative to access grants & loans.
• Engage chambers of commerce & trade boards.
• Participate in regional trade fairs (e.g., East Africa Trade Fair, Macfrut).

5. Marketing Your Agroecological Products

• Develop a basic product profile: photos, certifications (organic/PGS), quantities, and harvest seasons.
• Use storytelling: Buyers want sustainable, traceable, community-grown produce.
• Create simple brochures or digital flyers (even WhatsApp shareable).
• Showcase quality standards — clean, graded, and well-packaged produce.

6. Networking at Policy & Trade Events

• NTFC meetings: Share trader challenges.
• AfCFTA Women & Youth Trade Forums:
  https://au.int/en/ti/cfta/about
• AFSA Agroecology Conferences:
  https://afsafrica.org
• Trade fairs: SARA (West Africa), Macfrut (Italy, Africa focus), AGRF.

7. Leveraging Social Media & Digital Communities

• Facebook groups: East Africa Organic Farmers Network, Kenya Small Scale Farmers Forum.
• LinkedIn & WhatsApp groups for connecting with bulk buyers.
• Instagram for branding agroecological produce (especially for youth).

Network-Building Checklist

✅	Action
Identify local co-ops or form one with fellow traders.
Join a cross-border trader WhatsApp group.
Register with the local chamber of commerce or AFSA network.
List your product on at least one digital platform.
Prepare a simple product profile (photos, quantity, price)
Attend one trade fair or buyer meeting per season.
Connect with NTFC or AfCFTA women/youth desks.

Simple Digital Business Card Template (can use Canva or free apps):

• Name, product, contact (phone, WhatsApp), cooperative, certifications, photo/logo.

• EAC-ATKH (Agroecology Hub): (launch upcoming – AFSA/trapca)
• AfCFTA Trade Portal: https://trade.africa
• ITC Trade Map: https://www.trademap.org
• Selina Wamucii: https://www.selinawamucii.com
• Wasoko (Sokowatch): https://wasoko.com
• EASSI (Women Cross-Border Traders): https://eassi.org
• AFSA Agroecology Networks: https://afsafrica.org
• AGRF – Africa Food Systems Forum: https://www.agrf.org
• Trade Fairs Calendar (ITC): https://www.intracen.org/itc/trade-support/trade-fairs