Considering the fact that sustained poverty coupled with subpar economic growth has continued to inhibit growth in the demand of locally manufactured goods, effective demand continues to shift more in favour of relatively cheaper imported manufactured items. In addition, the high cost of inputs informed by poor infrastructure which leads to high transport costs has led to high prices of locally manufactured products thereby limiting their competitiveness in the local and regional markets. With the view of looking towards ways in which this trend can be turned around to benefit locally manufactured products, certain aspects need to be taken into consideration.
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Working through the informal sector is one of the avenues that presents a huge opportunity when it comes to penetrating the local and regional markets. The sector has market networks that are vastly untapped. Formal firms need to venture further into fostering links with informal firms in a way that is mutually beneficial. In this sense, there are different ways in which this can be achieved.
The first and foremost aspect that formal firms should look into in order to get the right partners to work with in the informal sector is that of the business structure that is present in the informal business that they intend to partner with. The importance of ensuring that they establish this aspect is, among other factors to assist them in better understanding the client profiles of the clients serviced by informal firms. Informal businesses have an access to clients that would not be readily available to formal businesses. Customers to their businesses often purchase goods and services that are at a lower price point. Tapping into the economies of scale from this angle will be a huge plus for any formal business that can avail their products and services that meet the needs of these customers. Unpacking this dynamic will assist in coming up with tailor made marketing structures around which they can upscale the production of their products and services.
Another thing to consider that is of importance in as far as fostering beneficial relationships relates to the different levels of capacity present in the informal firms. These include, but are not limited to technical and financial skills. Most informal firms primarily under perform due the low levels of the above mentioned. Formal firms can work to improve the level of these skill sets which will go a long way in improving the quality of goods and services that they produce. Mentoring informal firms in this way will enhance their capability to deliver goods and services that are of a higher quality as well as enhance their systems of operation. This will further improve and strengthen the various aspects that are related to the operational systems of formal firms such as their chains of distribution.
An area that would be worth exploring for formal firms as they seek to establish formidable links with informal businesses is that of targeting businesses that are part of an association, be they in the form of Sacco’s or cooperatives. Micro, small and medium sized businesses that are members of associations within their realms of operation tend to be more focused and better organized. This is due to the fact that they draw valuable lessons from each other on best industry practices. These sorts of associations provide a unity of purpose and act as a pillar of stability for informal businesses for it is through them that they can better interact with other bodies such as government bodies in cases of conflict resolution or even financial institutions whenever they require to access loans. Associations in this sense, offer security to the individual entrepreneurs, for it is through these that they can access loans to grow their businesses as well as better market their products.
Businesses in the manufacturing sector should look into value addition strategies that target the micro and small businesses that they intend to be suppliers of raw materials for their finished products. This is especially important for those that rely on agricultural raw materials. Partnering with small scale farmers for example, with a view of improving the quality of their yields, is a worthwhile investment. Promoting a culture of interacting with these farmers on best practices in crop and animal husbandry is a long-term investment that will ensure a long term consistent availability of good quality raw materials, as well as improve the incomes on both sides of the coin.
By looking into the above factors, formal firms can have a better understanding of informal businesses when trying to create partnership opportunities that grow their businesses. Working with the associations that informal businesses are a part of will enhance the capability of formal firms to choose credible businesses through which they can further harness their growth agenda as well as build the capacity of informal businesses.
litualex@gmail.com
Informal Economy Analyst
Research Resource 