Issues in African Informality: What is the Relevance for Regional or Continental Integration?

Abstract

This paper illuminates the disputed and often tainted reality of informality in Africa, focusing on two key components of the informal economy –  employment and production. Simultaneously, it highlights three key issues in informality that bear on regional integration by the way they relate to spatial borders. The paper draws on a thorough review of the literature and documentary evidence on informality, borders and regional integration. The evidence shows that, though difficult to assess, the informal economy is a permanent African reality that dates back to the Iron Age. It is a source of employment for many, sustains livelihoods and contributes to local, national and regional economies, as well as to regional economic  integration from the bottom up. On their part, nationstate borders in Africa posture as regulators of movement, presenting severe restrictions; especially to the movement of undocumented labour migrants and informal traders. With supportive policies, however, cross-border traders could become useful partners of the state and the collective goal of African integration. They could help deepen integration by participating in measures designed to reduce non-tariff barriers to trade. Since grassroots actors suffer abuse and are ill-treated at borders and in host countries, and lack access to social protection, African borders should be transformed into functional bridges that link communities straddling proximate states. A desirable outcome would be to establish amorphous borderlands that would enhance economic, social and cultural integration.