Informality

Global statistics reveal that more than 60% of the world’s employed population earn their livelihoods in the informal economy.  This trend is mirrored in Namibia.  Working for the informal economy in Namibia is characterized by small or undefined workplaces, unsafe and unhealthy working conditions, violence and harassment, unregulated, low levels of skills and productivity, low or irregular incomes, long working hours, and lack of access to information, markets, finance, training, and technology.

To address the above-mentioned challenges, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, in close consultation with its partner, the Namibia Informal Sector organization, since 2021 has been implementing a series of programs and activities to transform the sector, create a favorable labour environment, and improve the working relationship between the informal traders and the law enforcement agencies.  To enable us to transform the sector, various publications such as the Code of Conduct and Operational Guidelines on the Code of Conduct have been published.  The position paper on the informal economy is still in progress and will be finalized and submitted to the Ministry of Trade and Industrialization to influence the development of the National Position Paper for the Namibia Informal Economy.  Our efforts towards the development of this sector are also supported by the various local authorities, the Namibian government, the informal traders, the Namibia Police Force, and the Social Security Commission.  To intensify efforts and formalize the relationship and implementation of the Operational Guidelines on the Code of Conduct, a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation is expected to be signed in the future.