Informality

Informality is hugely important in African contexts. A broad term, it is widely used in analytical and policy discourse, but conceptualised, measured, and viewed in different ways. Informality can encompass expressions of “informal economy,” “informal employment,” “informal sector,” “informal entrepreneurship,” “informal housing” and “informal governance”. Recognised as a central mode and logic of urbanisation, it is intrinsically linked both forward and backwards to the formal economy and serves as an important source of livelihood for millions of people and their social/political organising. Many different views about the drivers and composition of informality have influenced various prescriptions and policy responses from formalisation and regulation, to championing and support, to clamping down and eradication. Increasing globalisation and access to new technologies that will drive the future of work and social organising may be highly significant in the future, and to possible development pathways. Some promising scholarly terrains include the role of technologies, co-production of informal services, and informal entrepreneurship.