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Size and Implication of Informal Economy in African Countries: Evidence from a Structural Model

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  • Mehdi Abid

Abstract

This paper presents estimates of the informal economy in 41 African countries, including North Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and West Africa during the period 2007–2013. Using a structural equation model with latent variables, the empirical results indicate that the average size of the informal economy in Africa (in% of formal gross domestic product) in 41 countries is 42.9%, 39.9% in 5 countries in North Africa, 40.02% in 11 countries in southern Africa, 43.24% in 6 countries of East Africa, 45.5% in 7 countries of Central Africa and 45.21% in 12 countries in West Africa. We suggest economic policy recommendations to solve the dilemma of the informal economy not only in the regions but also in different countries such as: identifying the causes of informality, the barriers to formalization and how to eliminate them; developing policies, procedures and institutions that can help informal activities meet market economy requirements, reforming legal systems and ensuring equal access for all; and finally, establishing affordable social benefits for workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Mehdi Abid, 2016. "Size and Implication of Informal Economy in African Countries: Evidence from a Structural Model," International Economic Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(4), pages 571-598, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:intecj:v:30:y:2016:i:4:p:571-598
    DOI: 10.1080/10168737.2016.1204342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Benjamin Aleman-Castilla, 2006. "The Effect of Trade Liberalization on Informality and Wages: Evidence from Mexico," CEP Discussion Papers dp0763, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    2. Soham Baksi & Pinaki Bose, 2010. "Environmental Regulation in the Presence of an Informal Sector," Departmental Working Papers 2010-03, The University of Winnipeg, Department of Economics.
    3. Aleman-Castilla, Benjamin, 2006. "The effect of trade liberalization on informality and wages: evidence from Mexico," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 19779, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    Cited by:

    1. Habib Sekrafi & Mehdi Abid & Soufiene Assidi, 2021. "The impact of terrorism on formal and informal economy in African countries," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(1), pages 1163-1180, January.
    2. Tahiru Azaaviele Liedong, 2022. "The Liability of Tribe in Corporate Political Activity: Ethical Implications for Political Contestability," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 181(3), pages 623-644, December.
    3. Mpendulo Harold Thulare & Inocent Moyo & Sifiso Xulu, 2021. "Systematic Review of Informal Urban Economies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Ho, Sin Yu & Beri, Parfait Bihkongnyuy, 2024. "The impact of SME sector on economic growth in Africa," MPRA Paper 122552, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Mehdi Abid, 2019. "Estimating the Size of the Informal Trade Across the World: Evidence from a MIMIC Approach," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 10(2), pages 618-669, June.

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