Togo and Benin are stepping up efforts to formalise cross-border trade in horticultural products, aiming to ease the movement of goods and improve conditions for traders operating between the two West African neighbours.
Stakeholders from both countries met this week in Lomé to discuss measures to remove barriers that continue to hinder trade in perishable agricultural produce.
The meeting brought together representatives from the chambers of commerce of Togo and Benin, alongside regional trade bodies and agricultural programme coordinators.
Discussions focused on improving import and export procedures, with participants examining ways to simplify regulations and reduce delays that affect the flow of goods across borders.
The initiative is part of broader efforts under the Market Gardening Development Support Project (PADMAR), which seeks to strengthen the horticulture value chain and boost regional agricultural trade.
More Read
Participants also worked to connect producers, traders and processors from both countries, exploring opportunities for partnerships in the cultivation and processing of crops such as onions, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers and lettuce.
Cross-border trade in these products is already well established, with goods moving daily between key towns including Lomé and Aného in Togo and Grand-Popo and Cotonou in Benin.
Much of this trade is informal and driven by women traders, locally known as “revendeuses”, who play a central role in supplying urban markets with fresh produce.
However, the lack of formal structures has often exposed traders to challenges such as inconsistent pricing, limited access to market information and difficulties in complying with border regulations.
Officials say formalising the sector could help improve transparency, increase incomes and enhance food security in both countries.
The initiative also aims to upgrade infrastructure, including rural roads and farm access tracks, to facilitate the transport of perishable goods.
Improving logistics is seen as critical for reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that produce reaches markets more efficiently.
Stakeholders are also looking to harmonise quality standards and pricing mechanisms, which could help stabilise markets and promote fair competition.
The push for greater integration reflects wider regional efforts to boost intra-African trade under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Analysts say strengthening agricultural trade corridors between neighbouring countries could play a key role in enhancing regional food systems and reducing reliance on imports.
For Togo and Benin, formalising horticultural trade is expected to support smallholder farmers and traders, while contributing to broader economic development.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could transform a largely informal but vital sector into a more structured and resilient component of the regional economy.
