Economic Survey 2020 Highlights – Informal Sector

The recently released the 2020 Economic Survey report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) is an annual report that provides an analysis of the country’s economic health. This piece focuses on the aspects of the report that touch on the informal sector in as far as it’s contribution to the Kenyan economy is …

The path to success for small businesses

Over the past two years or so, there has been a step up in the focus on interventions targeting the informal economy, with a lot of rhetoric on solutions to challenges facing this sector. It is no secret that that Micro Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are important drivers of growth in economies across …

Leveraging Diaspora Remittances for Informal Sector Development

In his book “The Mystery of Capital”, Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto firmly states that he is not a die-hard capitalist. On the contrary, he is an ardent believer in freedom, compassion for the poor and equal opportunity. He however goes on to state that capitalism is the only system we know that provides us …

Supporting Business in Informal Settlements

There are pertinent issues that need to be addressed in as far as tackling some of the challenges that face micro and small businesses in informal settlements in Kenya. It is with this in mind that the Centre for International Private Enterprise conducted a survey of the business community in Mathare and developed a policy …

Growing trade in the world’s least developing economies

The United Nations defines Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as those that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development, with the lowest human development index ratings (life expectancy, education, income per capita). Of the 47 countries that are currently designated as LDCs, 33 are African. The Least Developed Countries Report 2018, a publication of the United …

Driving affordable housing through mortgage refinance

In October 2018, the Centre for Affordable Housing (CAHF) launched the 9th edition of its Housing Finance in Africa Yearbook, at the 34th Annual Conference and AGM of the African Union of Housing Finance, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The yearbook covers the housing finance situation in 54 countries across the continent, providing data and market information on …

Eradicating Poverty

Understanding China’s Poverty Eradication Model The international poverty line of purchasing power parity (PPP) stands at USD 1.90 per day. Based on this parameter, from 1981 to 2013, China lifted 850 million people out of poverty, with the percentage of people living in extreme poverty falling from 88% to 1.85%. The country has also contributed …

The hidden role of informality in formal business

The synergy between formal and informal businesses is a factor that should be leveraged upon by those looking to improve and strengthen the business environment on the African continent. The multiple definitions of the informal sector have often not been precise, especially whenever it is looked at in relation to the formal economy, and not …

Informal Cross Border Trade in Africa

In March 2018, African heads of State gathered in Kigali to launch an initiative that will increase the level of intra African trade. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) points out that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a move in the right direction for the continent, as it will cover …

Developing ASAL regions in Kenya

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of accompanying a team of consultants to the North Eastern part of Kenya. Most of the counties in the region fall under the Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs) geographic section of the country and are predominantly engaged in pastoralism. It was while on the trips to Turkana …