Contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in Poverty Alleviation: A Case of Trade Liberalisation in Zambia

Joseph Selisho and Professor Jotham. C. Momba
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Joseph Selisho: University of Zambia, Institute of Distance Education, Lusaka-Zambia
Professor Jotham. C. Momba: University of Zambia, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, Lusaka-Zambia

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 1, 2137-2165

Abstract: Background: This study was undertaken due to high levels of poverty in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Member States. The overall objective of the study was to explore the contribution of COMESA in the fight against poverty in Africa, a case study of Zambia from 2010-2021. The specific objective in this article was to explore the Contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in Poverty Alleviation, a case of trade liberalisation in Zambia. The study employed qualitative approach with an exploratory research design and critical case sampling to choose 13 key respondents to explore the contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in Poverty alleviation in Zambia from 2010-2021. Primary data was analysed from 13 key respondents selected purposively using an interview guide to support secondary data. Data was analysed using thematic and content analysis. This study found that COMESA was established by a treaty in December 1994 as a basis for trade liberalisation. The aim of trade liberalisation was to remove tariffs and non-tariff barriers to reduce the cost of doing business to create employment hence contributing to poverty alleviation. Zambia embarked on trade liberalisation and received financial support from COMESA and its international cooperating partners of development to achieve trade liberalisation. The study established that COMESA had been significant in the fight against poverty in Zambia. However, despite the trade reforms implemented, the study established that poverty levels in Zambia had not reduced since 2010 instead there had been an increase from 54.4 % in 2020 to 60.3 % in 2021. Zambia requires a clear regulatory framework predictable for business planning with a conducive legal business environment that promote trade through innovative policy framework targeting various sectors of the economy to generate income activities and employment. There must be regular review of the trade liberalisation rules to ensure coherence and compliance with COMESA rules in order to realise the gains of trade.

Date: 2024
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