Africa’s informal economy: A burden and lifeline

ABIDJAN, COTE D'IVOIRE – Across 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 it. Poverty, unemployment and bureaucratic red tape force tens of millions of Africans into work that is not regulated, taxed or protected by the government. From Abidjan to Dakar and Abuja, mechanics, scrap dealers, motorcycle taxi drivers and street vendors make the most of the tiniest corner to set up their business activity.