{
  "id": 6479345,
  "title": "Africa’s informal economy thrives as formal jobs remain scarce",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/africas-informal-economy-thrives-as-formal-jobs-remain-scarce",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-09T21:26:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Qatar Tribune Business",
    "slug": "qatar-tribune-business",
    "url": "https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/253055/business/africas-informal-economy-thrives-as-formal-jobs-remain-scarce"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Across African cities, the informal economy is thriving as formal jobs are scarce, driven by poverty, high unemployment rates and bureaucratic hurdles. From informal mechanics, scrap dealers, motorcycle taxi drivers and street vendors to small businesses like money transfer points and bakeries, these enterprises have made the most of any available space. Lohbip El-Pius Binyir, a money transfer operator and bakery seller in Abuja, Nigeria, attributes his success to the authorities' leniency, noting that his simple business setup allows him to operate without much hassle. In Ivory Coast's Abidjan, municipal officers often chase after vendors who set up shop on pavements and roads. Despite these challenges, many informal workers like mechanic Yacouba Sylla continue to adapt by moving their businesses multiple times. The International Labour Organization reports that the informal sector in Africa has grown to nearly 83 percent of the active population, compared to the 60 percent estimate in the early 1970s. The United Nations Development Programme highlights the informal economy as a significant burden that limits growth, as it prevents the development of larger enterprises and decent job opportunities. Governments have attempted to tackle the issue through various means, but the sector continues to expand. Economist Guillaume Liby argues that the focus should be on removing coercive measures and addressing the heavy tax burden and administrative hurdles faced by those seeking to work legally. Despite its challenges, the informal sector accounts for up to 65 percent of the continent's gross domestic product, representing a significant revenue loss for governments. To address this, African nations must implement policies encouraging informal-sector workers to register with tax authorities, provide access to financing, and create necessary infrastructure to support small businesses.",
  "summary": "AgenciesAcross the pavements, residential areas and public spaces of African cities, the informal economy is booming under the noses of authorities, who are often powerless to stop...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}