Across Africa, informal cross-border trade remains a lifeline for millions—and women are at the helm. According to reports, women constitute between 70% to 80% of all informal cross-border traders, driving local economies and supporting households. Yet, the journey for many of these traders is riddled with challenges: from exploitation and harassment to poor market access and unreliable logistics.
That’s where Cross Border Connect steps in.
Founded by a trio of young female tech professionals, Cross Border Connect is reimagining how women engage in trade by offering them a safer, more accessible digital alternative. Their mobile-first marketplace enables women-led businesses in Malawi and Zambia to reach new markets, accept digital payments, and connect with customers across borders—right from their phones.
“We built this platform to address real, painful challenges that women traders face daily,” said Kondwani Nyirongo, software engineer and co-founder of Cross Border Connect. “From security threats to foreign exchange issues and a lack of market information—we wanted to build a safe digital space where women could thrive economically.”
The app acts as a virtual middleman, allowing sellers to upload products and buyers to browse, connect, and pay seamlessly. Once a purchase is confirmed, sellers coordinate delivery—cutting out unsafe travel and face-to-face risks. But for Nyirongo and her team, success isn’t just about transactions; it’s about trust.
“Digital tools are still new for many of our users,” she noted. “We’ve learned that digital and financial literacy are just as important as the tech itself. That’s why we’re actively engaging our users through training and awareness.”
The team is now looking to scale their solution beyond Malawi and Zambia and hopes to partner with stakeholders across the COMESA region. They’re calling on mentors, funders, and digital finance experts to join them in accelerating access and impact.
Featured on Day 7 of the #40Days40FinTechs Zambia and Malawi Edition, Cross Border Connect is part of a broader movement to highlight FinTech innovation across Africa. Led by HiPipo in partnership with the COMESA Business Council, the initiative has showcased over 200 FinTechs in East Africa and now expands to Southern Africa with the same mission: championing inclusive finance through local solutions.
As the continent embraces a digital future, platforms like Cross Border Connect are proving that inclusive innovation starts from the grassroots—powered by the people, and for the people.
