Cross-border traders jittery about digital platforms

CROSS-BORDER traders are jittery about making use of digital platforms for fear of being swindled despite being the best option for survival under the Covid-19 restrictions, Cross-Border Traders Association of Zambia chairperson Jacob Makambwe has said.

Mr Makambwe predicted that many countries were likely to go on lock down because of the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

He said in an interview that cross border traders had been badly hit by the outbreak as their movements had been restricted. Mr Makambwe said one of the options for the cross border traders was to make use of digital platforms if they were to survive.

He however said most of them had been jittery of using digital platforms for fear of being swindled.

Mr Makambwe however expressed confidence that the Zambia trade portal which would be launched by Government through the Ministry of Commerce would ease the situation.

He said the portal would list some platforms which were credible and safe for traders to take advantage of.

Mr Makambwe said through the platforms, traders would be able to transact from the comfort of their homes but trust that goods and services would be delivered.

“Platforms are there but the traders fear being swindled.

Some platforms are not safe and your goods may never be delivered,” he said.

Mr Makambwa appealed for more sensitization on the portal and credible digital platforms that were available.

He called on citizens to stop laxity that was being witnessed with regards to adhering to Covid-19 guidelines.

Mr Makambwe said cross border traders had been hard hit by the Covid-19 outbreak but were ready to adhere to health guidelines.