Effectiveness of the COMESA Free Trade Agreement on Market Access, Business Competitiveness, and Customs Procedure for the SMEs at COMESA Market, Lusaka

This study assessed the effectiveness of the COMESA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on market access and competitiveness of SMEs, with a focus on traders at the COMESA Market in Lusaka. The motivation stemmed from the need to understand whether regional trade integration under COMESA translated into tangible benefits for small-scale traders. The main objectives of this study were to assess how the COMESA FTA has affected market access, business competitiveness and customs procedures for the SME traders at COMESA market in Lusaka.To meet these research objectives a mixed-method design in data analysis with a sample size of 50% being males and 50% being female at COMESA market. The results of the study reviewed that the FTA enhanced market access which enables traders to connect with regional buyers, diversify products, participate in trade fairs, and establish cross-border partnerships. Competitiveness was improved mainly through pricing, with 72% of SMEs reporting the ability to offer lower and more competitive prices. However, improvements in product variety and operational cost reduction were moderate due to logistical and supply chain constraints. Customs procedures which was 50% was found to be significantly related to clearance speed, yet challenges such as delays, excessive paperwork, limited digital systems, and inconsistent rule application hindered efficiency. Respondents highlighted key challenges, including manual inspections, unclear fees, and language barriers, and recommended digitization of customs, automated inspections, SME helpdesks, and improved border communication. Overall, most SMEs expressed satisfaction with COMESA trade processes but emphasized the need for policy interventions such as digitalization, capacity-building, and financial support.The study concluded that the COMESA FTA improved market access and competitiveness of SMEs in Lusaka but that its full potential depended on addressing procedural and infrastructural challenges. Strengthening trade facilitation mechanisms would ensure inclusive growth and enhance SME participation in regional markets.