contain only vague estimates of the importance of cross-border trade in the
region. As a start, discussions of cross-border trade and its importance should be
encouraged at the border sites themselves (among customs and government officials of
relevant countries), national ministries, and in regional bodies such as the Inter-
Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) in the case of the Horn of Africa.
The policy dialogue must occur at these three levels because: (1) the local officials are
‘on the ground’ in these sites and can play a key role in encouraging/discouraging
policies – the isolation of many of these sites means that local officials have a large
degree of autonomy;