Scale: 
Regional
Categories: 
Communiqués, Statements & Summary Records

This report from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) synthesizes key messages from a conference entitled  “The biggest 'private sector': What place for the informal economy in green and inclusive growth?” which was held in London on 25 February 2016. The Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD) co-organised the meeting. In his presentation, Philipp Heinrigs recalled, “In West Africa, the food economy is much more than just agricultural activities. Post-farm activities already make up 40% of the sector’s GVA and will increase spectacularly over the coming years. And it’s mainly informal.” Even if the informal sector remains neglected in most development strategies, it will, nevertheless, continue to occupy an essential place in the region’s development, particularly because of its role in creating jobs in urban areas.

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