The Cost of Informality in the Urban Economy

The informal economy accounts for a huge proportion of value-added in a country. Informal activities support the consumption habits of many higher-income people and provide cheap inputs to the formal service sector and manufacturing operations.

This brochure provides figures and valuable arguments in support of the informal economy. Several key recommendations for national and local governments can be found to foster the positive aspects of informality and range from regulation and registration, provision of infrastructure and basic services, to ensuring access to finance, and capacity building.

Quotes / Punch Lines

“If handled right, informality can be a driver for economic growth” From the document