In Abidjan, the ILO maps out the path towards formalisation in Africa

© François Kouassi / OIT

ABIDJAN (ILO Infos) - Organised by the ILO with the support of its partners, this event, held from 13 to 15 November 2024 in Abidjan, brought together tripartite representatives from 17 African countries, reaffirming the importance of the transition to the formal economy as a lever for social and economic transformation.

The informal economy encompasses all the economic activities of workers and economic units which - in law or in practice - are not covered or are insufficiently covered by formal provisions.

In most African countries, it accounts for over 80% of employment, providing a livelihood for millions of people, often in precarious conditions. However, this economy exposes workers to social, economic and health risks due to the lack of labour and social protection.

Formalising this economy is therefore crucial to guaranteeing decent working conditions, extending social protection coverage, improving productivity and promoting inclusive economic growth. It also helps to boost public revenues and support social justice objectives.

A collective ambition for formalisation

"This forum has shown that the transition to a formal economy is not just an economic necessity, but an imperative of social justice," said Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, ILO Regional Director for Africa. She praised the spirit of collaboration and the innovative solutions proposed, stressing the importance of collective strategies adapted to the specific characteristics of each country.

The discussions, in which several representatives of workers in the informal economy took part, highlighted inspiring practices such as the exploitation of digital technologies to promote formalisation and the key role of the social and solidarity economy (SSE). These approaches have the potential to respond to the complex challenges of informality, which affects almost 90% of jobs in many African countries.

© François Kouassi / OIT

Government commitment to inclusive policies

Tapé Aubin, Chief of Staff to the Côte d'Ivoire Minister for Employment and Social Protection, stressed the urgent need to "make formalisation a real lever for economic growth." He reiterated Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to strengthening its Integrated National Strategy for Transition to the Formal Economy (SNIT-EF), which is part of the National Development Plan 2021-2025.

He also stressed the need to transform regulatory frameworks throughout Africa to encourage formalisation and improve the living and working conditions of the most vulnerable populations. "The transition to formality should not be seen as a constraint, but as an opportunity for economic and social progress for all," he said.

© François Kouassi / OIT

Priorities for the future

The forum's recommendations set out an ambitious roadmap:

1. Strengthen political commitment to establish a culture of formality.
2. Organise and empower workers and economic units in the informal economy by promoting social dialogue.
3. Promote structural and sectoral transformation to boost productivity and decent work.
4. Adopt integrated strategies to improve living conditions and prevent informality.
5. Support innovative partnerships with multilateral agencies and local players to find sustainable solutions.

A vision for 2025 and beyond

As the ILO prepares for the general discussion at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference in 2025, the ideas shared at this forum will form a solid basis for concrete action.

© François Kouassi / OIT

"We leave this forum with a clear vision and a renewed objective: to build an Africa where formal and decent work is a reality for all," concluded Ndeye Coumba Diop, on behalf of ILO Regional Director for Africa Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa.

The path has been mapped out, but it will require the mobilisation of all stakeholders to transform Africa into a continent where formalisation underpins social justice, stability and dignity for all.

© Francois Kouassi / OIT