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Formal and Informal Enterprises in Francophone Africa: Moving Toward a Vibrant Private Sector

 
Editor(s)
Ahmadou Aly Mbaye, Stephen S. Golub, and Fatou Gueye
Publisher(s)
IDRC
ISBN
9781552506158
e-ISBN
9781552506165

Available formats

While the duality of African economies is well recognized in economic literature, only a few comprehensive studies have examined the formal and informal economies using the same instruments. The research presented in this book uses a unique dataset carefully collected on both formal and informal firms, and an analytical approach based on a continuum of formality/informality characteristics, to analyze both private entrepreneurship and employment. Focusing on Francophone Africa, with particular emphasis on Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, and Senegal, the book also includes comparisons with other countries in Africa and in developing regions. The formal economy is shaped by institutions largely determined by their French colonial legacy, reflected in traits such as stringent labour market regulation. This, coupled with weak governance and high factor costs, prevents firms from growing and, thereby, incentivizes informality. Meanwhile, the informal sector is the major source of income and employment, typically accounting for about half of aggregate output and 90% of employment. Informal firms embody traditional economic practices, nurtured by deeply entrenched customs and well-established kinship networks, often spanning national borders. The book sheds light on some important and previously understudied aspects of the sector, using case studies, surveys and original data, and interviews. It also makes well targeted policy recommendations, taking into account firm heterogeneity and differentiated responses to various policy stimuli.

This book is recommended for undergraduate and graduate students studying economic development in Africa, and economics researchers at universities and think tanks.

The editors

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Ahmadou Aly Mbaye

Ahmadou Aly Mbaye is a Professor of Economics, and former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal.
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Stephen S. Golub

Stephen S. Golub is Franklin and Betty Barr Professor of Economics at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, USA.

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Fatou Gueye

Fatou Gueye is an Associate Professor of Economics at University Cheikh Anta Diop.