Migration policy framework for Africa and plan of action (2018 – 2030) steady source of livelihood especially for women and youth, as well as employment opportunities and, over time, serves as business incubators, especially as some informal players graduate to the formal sector. Informal trade in Africa is largely commodity-based, ranging from agrofoods to manufactured products, however, it is also associated with prohibited or illicit products such as arms, ammunition, drugs and prohibited food products. Migration, especially temporary/short term migration is a prominent factor in informal trade. Temporary migrants usually have a strong affinity and links to their countries of origin and are likely to engage in the export of services, if they are skilled, and in the export of goods, if they are unskilled. Migrants are more likely to be involved in informal trade given that barriers to entry in their new destinations are usually stacked against them. This trend can be clearly seen in destinations, such as South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, where informal trade forms an important part of the economy. Recommended strategies 68 i. Promote economic growth, by fostering trade, productive investment and employment, as well as gender-responsive economic and social policies, in order to reduce migratory push factors in countries of origin. ii. Regional/bilateral trade agreements should take into account the growing relevance of short-term migration and the movement of persons in the context of trade, both in goods and services. iii. Strengthen inter-REC cooperation and coordination on migration and trade, with a view to synergise programmes and activities. iv. Member States that are party to the General Agreement on Trade in Services should put in place mechanisms that specifically deal with the temporary movement of persons and the promotion of trade in services. v. Enhance coordination and dialogue between all government agencies dealing with migration, trade and labour issues, in order to facilitate the temporary movement of persons supplying goods and services. vi. Develop and implement national and regional strategies, policies and programmes that facilitate the activities of cross-border traders, especially women and the youth. RECs and CSOs should be engaged in the development and implementation of such programmes, such as Simplified Trade Regimes, that support the business of small scale traders.