Abstract
Orientation: Cross-border trade (CBT) is an important economic activity that contributes to
the development of many economies of the developing world.
Research purpose: The two primary aims of the study were to find out the major factors
needed to succeed in cross-border trading and whether the importance of these factors
significantly decreased with export experience.
Motivation for the study: The economic contribution of cross-border trade (CBT) is often
understated. As a result, it does not get the attention it deserves.
Research design, approach and method: Data were collected in Gauteng from 146 crossborder
traders from 10 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. A crosssectional
research design was used.
Main findings: The major key success factors were found to be skills/knowledge in; markets
and supplies; financial management; and border issues. The importance of these factors was
found to not significantly change with levels of export experience.
Practical/managerial implications: Stakeholders should know that small firms of differing
export experience require the same interventions to succeed. Interventions should empower
traders to better access markets and supplies, improve their financial management skills and
ease border constraints.
Contribution/value-add: Few studies on cross border trading have been carried out in the
Southern African Development Community region. The key success factors and the constraints
in this type of trade had not been adequately explored. The economic contribution of CBT,
which usually goes unnoticed, was highlighted. Interventions to appropriately address the
challenges faced, such as trading legitimacy and border harassment, were suggested.