The Nakonde Border Queens Who Trade Beyond Limits between Tanzania and Zambia

By Annie Zulu

By 6:00 AM, the black market in Nakonde is already alive. Footsteps pound the dusty ground, traders shout out their best deals, and shop shutters rattle open in rhythmic unison. It’s the sound of a border town in motion, and at the heart of it are the women crossing from Tanzania each day, chasing opportunity one sale at a time.

One of the first to set up shop is Zakia Hussian Salehe, 30, who carefully lines up men’s shirts at her stall. She’s not Zambian, but you wouldn’t know it. For the past three years, she’s made the daily journey from Tunduma, just across the border in Tanzania, to run her now-thriving business.

“Zambia gives us room to grow. I’ve never had problems here. I pay my taxes, I speak Bemba, and the people treat me like one of their own,” she says, her voice full of pride.

A Border Town in Motion

Zakia is not alone. She’s part of a growing wave of Tanzanian women who are powering Nakonde’s informal economy. Armed with hustle, resilience, and an eye for opportunity, these women are turning cross-border trade into a pathway for financial freedom.

“This business helps me support my family. Women need to be independent. We can’t always rely on our husbands. We have to stand on our own,” Zakia says.

In the past, cross-border trade on the Zambian side was largely dominated by Tanzanian men. In recent years, however, an increasing number of women have entered the space, some even choosing to migrate permanently.

Zakia Hussain Salehe, Tanzanian trader, sits in her shop in Nakonde, Zambia, where she sells men’s clothes- Photo by Annie Zulu

While Tanzanian women dominate Nakonde’s informal retail trade today, selling clothes, food, and cooked meals and deeply integrating into local communities, Tanzanian men tend to operate behind the scenes in wholesale, transport, and logistics.

A few blocks away, Noweriya Musa, 42, is busy stacking oranges on a street corner. She’s been selling fruits in Nakonde for four years and, like Zakia, makes the daily trek from Tunduma.

“On a good day, I make over K500 ($19). This town is always busy. Travelers, traders, workers, they need food to keep going. Sometimes my stock finishes so fast, I have to go back for more that same day,” she says.

Noweriya Musa, Tanzanian trader, smiles warmly at a customer as she balances a basin of oranges on her head in the streets of Nakonde.

It’s hard work, but for Noweriya, the effort is worth it.

“I love it here. The people are kind, business is good, and I’ve never had any issues. It’s like a second home.”

Noweriya Musa, Tanzanian trader, smiles warmly at a customer as she balances a basin of oranges on her head in the streets of Nakonde- Photo by Annie Zulu

Over at the town’s buzzing bus station, the scent of spiced rice fills the air. That’s Anna Richard Sinkala, 32, another Tanzanian trader, dishing out hot meals to station workers and travelers heading to other parts of Zambia. She’s up before sunrise and at her stall by 6:00 AM every morning.

Anna Richard Sinkala, a Tanzanian food vendor at her stand at Nakonde’s bustling bus station- Photo by Annie Zulu

A Sisterhood Across Borders

“I’ve made friends with the Zambian women here. We live like sisters. We help each other. Zambia feels like home to me now,” Anna says with a smile.

And the sisterhood goes both ways. Zambian traders and consumers have not only welcomed the Tanzanian women, but they’ve grown with them.

Catherine Nakaona, 48, a Zambian trader who sells clothes in Nakonde’s Black Market, says Tanzanian women have brought more than just goods across the border; they’ve brought knowledge, culture, and new ways of doing business.

“We do business with Tanzanians, and we’ve even learned how to speak Swahili. They’ve taught us a lot about doing business. I used to speak only Bemba and Nyanja, but now I speak Swahili so well that people think I’m from Tanzania,” she says.

Margaret Nyondo, 47, a fruit seller at the main bus station, echoes her sentiment.

“In this station, it’s a mix of Zambians and Tanzanians. We work well together and help each other out. Most of our food, the bananas, potatoes, and rice, comes from Tanzania. Sometimes, they even give it to us on credit, and we pay after selling. They are good people, and we live like sisters,” she says.

Tanzania is widely recognized for its strong agricultural sector, known internationally for producing crops like coffee, tea, cashews, and bananas. 

Outside the market, Tanzanian women are making an impact. Kantapi Sichilima, 45, a local bus driver, appreciates the convenience they bring.

“These women have made life easier for us. We don’t need to travel to Tanzania for bananas anymore; they bring them right here. And the prices are the same,” he said.

The Competition and Lessons Learned

But not everyone sees the Tanzanian traders as a blessing. Some Zambian traders feel they’re being pushed out, and Josephine Chileshe, 46, a fruit seller at Wembley Bus Station, doesn’t hide her frustration.

“Sometimes, I only have K70 ($3) worth of fruit. Then a Tanzanian woman shows up with K400 ($15) worth, and she still manages to sell everything before me,” she says, shaking her head.

She lets out a small laugh. “Meanwhile, I’m sitting here with my few bananas, waiting all day to sell.”

Josephine admits that her Tanzanian counterparts seem to know how to attract customers better.

“They’re smart with business, I won’t lie. They’ve built loyal customers, they talk well, and they don’t wait; they go after buyers.”

Then she adds, laughing a little more:

“Sometimes, you’re talking to someone, and boom! A Tanzanian lady comes in, charms them, and they’re buying from her.”

Even though it feels tough at times, Josephine says there’s something to learn.

“Maybe we Zambians need to improve our hustle. These ladies are better prepared,” she said.

Photo of the Nakonde Black Market, provided by the Cross-Border Trade Association

Policies, Permits, and Unequal Borders

Zambia’s favorable trade policies have played a significant role in facilitating cross-border trade, especially for small-scale and migrant traders. 

The Simplified Trade Regime (STR), implemented under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), allows traders to benefit from preferential tariffs and simplified customs procedures for consignments below a certain value.

The Zambian Department of Immigration also allows visa-free entry for Tanzanian nationals for up to 90 days, making travel and trade easier.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan have actively engaged in discussions to enhance free trade and regional integration between their nations.

However, Tanzania’s strict policies make it difficult for Zambian traders to operate across the border. Zambian women attempting to sell in Tunduma face strict municipal by-laws that prohibit informal vending by foreigners, along with high permit requirements and frequent harassment.

Mercy Namfukwe, 35, a Zambian fruit vendor, says she would love to trade in Tunduma but is barred from doing so.

“We only go there to order our goods. They don’t allow us to sell,” she explains.

According to the 2023 International Organization for Migration (IOM) Zambia Field Report, Tanzanian municipal authorities do not allow foreigners to trade in open-air markets without

a local trading license, a regulation that disproportionately affects Zambian women who are mostly small-scale traders and often cannot afford that license.

Nakonde Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Botha echoes this concern.

“For our friends on the Tanzanian side, it’s a very complex issue. You’ll find many Tanzanian traders here in Nakonde, but you’ll never find a Zambian trading in Tunduma. Our laws are more favorable. There’s a serious trade imbalance.

“We would love to see harmonization, where the laws that allow Tanzanian women to trade here are also extended to our Zambian women on the other side,” he says.

Veronica Singolo, 42, a Tanzanian clothing trader who has been selling in Nakonde for nearly five years, now lives in Zambia and is married to a Zambian national. She says currency fluctuations have made it difficult to maintain profit margins.

“The Zambian Kwacha has dropped in value several times. When that happens, our suppliers in Tanzania don’t lower their prices, but here, customers want to pay less; it’s a loss either way. If we raise prices, customers complain or don’t buy. If we don’t, we barely make enough,” she says, folding brightly colored dresses at her stall.

Unsung Economic Backbone

While specific gender-disaggregated data for Nakonde is unavailable, regional trends indicate that migrant women from Tanzania make up a significant share of cross-border traders. Their contributions are particularly evident in times of crisis. 

Amid recent droughts in Zambia, for instance, these women have played a vital role in maintaining access to nutritious food. Through their businesses, they also create jobs and livelihoods, like bike riders who transport their goods back and forth.

Precious Nachona, Information Desk Officer for the Cross-Border Traders Association (CBTA) in Nakonde, says about 70% of small-scale cross-border traders in Nakonde are women.

She describes women in cross-border trade as unsung heroes of regional trade.

“These women are the backbone of cross-border trade. They play a critical role in food security and job creation. Most of them reinvest their earnings into their families and communities. Supporting them means strengthening the entire economy,” Nachona says.

“We’re working to ensure they are recognized, respected, and supported. When women trade, communities thrive.”​

Nakonde District Administrative Officer (DAO) Alex Sinkala also acknowledges the crucial role of these women in cross-border dynamics.

“Tanzanian women traders play a vital role in both the economy and daily life here in Nakonde. They are not just selling goods; they help feed our communities with the farm produce they bring. They create jobs and keep trade flowing across the border. Without them, our markets would be smaller and less efficient.

“They also help connect our cultures and smooth cross-border relations in ways that formal institutions often struggle to do. For example, many of them speak both Swahili and local Zambian languages, making trade easier and more personal,” Mr. Sinkala said.

He further stressed the importance of continued bilateral cooperation between Zambia and Tanzania to create more inclusive policies, improve border facilities, and provide financial, and training support aimed at empowering women in cross-border trade.

Queens of the Border

As the sun sets over the Nakonde border, the women begin to pack up, ready to cross back into Tunduma or head home in town. Their day may be over, but their impact lingers in every corner shop, every bus station meal, and every market stall.

In this border town, they are not just traders. They are queens without crowns trading beyond limits and rewriting the rules of regional trade one hustle at a time.

 

This story was produced as part of the Move Africa project, commissioned by the African Union Commission and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the GIZ or the African Union.

Watch the Nakonde Border Queens documentary below to witness the women driving trade and connection across one of East Africa’s busiest crossings, one sale, one sisterhood, one sunrise at a time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlQSdN5Ggaw&t=9s

Witchdoctor Faces Alarming Allegations of Child Exploitation

 

By Annie Zulu

Chilufya Chileya, 54, widely known as Kalonga Kanono, a prominent Lusaka-based witchdoctor, is facing allegations linking him to troubling incidents involving the exploitation of minors. These claims, which have reportedly gone unaddressed for years, have raised serious concerns about the safety of vulnerable girls.

Sources allege that Chileya’s actions target young girls aged between 13 and 16. He is accused of exploiting their vulnerability by making promises of love, protection, and financial support. Critics claim that he uses his influence and perceived power to gain the trust of these minors, offering them attention and affection they might lack elsewhere.

A 15-year-old girl, whose identity is being protected, shared her account of being approached in a manner she found unsettling.

The girl explained that Chileya lives in her neighbourhood and has been trying to pursue her for some time. She said he would stop whenever he saw her, compliment her on her appearance, and ask her to get into his car, but she always refuses.

She added that she did not know how he obtained her phone number, but he began calling and texting her, even sending money she had not requested. Feeling increasingly worried, she decided to inform her mother about the situation.

“This persistence made me uncomfortable, and I eventually decided to inform my mother about what was happening,” she said.

In an SMS conversation reviewed by this reporter, messages attributed to Chileya appear to show him making advances toward the girl.

To verify the sender’s identity, the Truecaller app was used, linking the phone number to the name “Chilufya Chileya.”

The girl’s mother expressed deep concern for her daughter’s safety and disclosed that she had already reported the incident to Lusaka Central Police, though no action has been taken yet.

“As a mother, I’m worried about my daughter’s well-being. This man has been repeatedly contacting her, sending money she didn’t ask for, and attempting to form an emotional connection with her, which is very unsettling. His actions are a threat not only to my daughter but to other girls in the neighborhood,” she said.

The mother is calling on authorities to investigate the situation and ensure the individual is held accountable for his actions.

“This man needs to be stopped before he causes any more harm. He is a danger to my daughter and other girls in the area,” she added.

A 16-year-old girl shared a disturbing encounter with Chileya while walking home from school with friends. She recounted that Chileya approached them and offered money.

“He approached us and offered money. I didn’t know what he wanted, but it felt strange, so we just walked away,” she said.

When contacted for a response to this and other allegations, Chileya declined to comment. He abruptly ended the call and later blocked the reporter's number.

Witchdoctor Chilufya Chileya

Concerns about Zambia’s justice system

Chileya seems to have developed the ability to evade justice raising significant concerns about the effectiveness of Zambia's legal and law enforcement systems. His actions have allowed him to continue exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly underage girls, for personal gain.

In June 2024, Chileya was arrested on charges of allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl. He was later granted bail. Zambia Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the arrest in a press statement issued on June 26, 2024.

The victim’s family expressed frustration, highlighting the lack of progress in the case, which has been repeatedly passed between the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the police without being taken to court.

This was not Chileya’s first legal issue. In 2017, he was arrested for allegedly shooting his sister with a pistol, causing a gunshot wound to her left upper hand. Police reports indicated that he had previously threatened to kill other family members, and a pistol, along with five empty cartridges, was recovered at the scene.

In 2015, Chileya was arrested again after a violent riot broke out in Kanyama Township. The riot was triggered by residents who suspected him of defiling a 16-year-old girl.

But the sexual offences against children surrounding Chileya don’t end with these well-documented alleged criminal acts.

The bigger question

The alleged actions of Chileya, involving the exploitation of girls, constitute serious offences under the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.

The Act stipulates that no child under the age of 16 should be subjected to sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution, coercion into sexual activity, or exposure to obscene or pornographic materials.

The penalties for such crimes are severe. A conviction can result in a life sentence, with a minimum of 15 years in prison.

 

A key factor enabling Chileya to evade justice appears to be his alleged access to money, which he reportedly uses to exert control and influence within the legal system.

According to a relative of one victim, who requested anonymity, Chileya has been accused of attempting to bribe victims' families to silence them or persuade them to drop charges.

The relative revealed that Chileya had offered money in an effort to persuade them to withdraw the case.

“He offered us money to withdraw the case, but we refused. Accepting it would have meant failing the little girl,” the relative explained, stressing their determination to stand firm and pursue justice despite the bribe attempt.

Child Rescue Foundation (CRF), a child rights advocacy organisation, has called for stricter measures to address child defilement cases.

Founder and Executive Director Anastasia Banda emphasised the profound and enduring impact of child defilement on young girls and their families.

She stressed that the trauma suffered by victims is often exacerbated by the legal system's leniency towards offenders. Banda argued that such individuals should not be given opportunities to influence or intimidate victims or their families.

 “We believe that by denying bail to those accused of child defilement, the justice system would send a strong message that society does not tolerate such heinous crimes,” Banda stated.

Assurance from the Authorities

The Deputy Chief State Advocate in the Gender-Based Crimes Department at the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Chali Hambayi, has confirmed that the investigation into a case involving Chileya is nearing completion.

Hambayi assured the public that the matter is being handled with urgency and will soon be presented in court.

“Rest assured, we are actively working to conclude the investigation as quickly as possible so that the matter can proceed to court,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Zambia Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga reiterated the police's commitment to ensuring justice is served. He acknowledged that while the process might sometimes appear delayed, this is due to essential procedural requirements.