The field visits conducted by WACTAF to the Sèmè-Kraké border crossing and the Dantokpa International Market followed the successful regional training workshop for national Focal Points on the use of the Road Fluidity application. These field missions, carried out with the participation of a delegation from WACTAF’s technical and financial partner, AGRA, form part of the implementation process of a project aimed at strengthening the participation of women and youth in cross-border trade.
Discussions with women traders at Dantokpa international market highlighted the significant progress achieved through the Road Fluidity Operation (RFO), now further strengthened by the digitalization of monitoring and reporting through the Road Fluidity application. The beneficiaries welcomed these improvements, particularly the reduction of administrative barriers, the simplification of procedures along trade corridors, and the improved transportation conditions for perishable goods.
According to the traders interviewed, this digital transformation not only facilitates the movement of goods but also enhances the security of their economic activities, reduces losses caused by delays, and strengthens the resilience of food supply chains across the sub-region.
Beyond these positive findings, the field mission provided valuable data that will support WACTAF’s advocacy efforts with national authorities and regional institutions. The information collected will also contribute to improving trade facilitation mechanisms, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions along trade corridors, and promoting a more enabling trading environment, particularly for women, who are the primary drivers of cross-border trade in food products across West Africa.
