Tag Archives: formalization

Zambia’s inclusive approach to various sectors in the informal economy is worth noting

By Niti Bhan | Published: February 8, 2018

The Zambian government most recently announced that they would provide certificates to illegal (artisanal) miners in order to recognize and formalize their activities. In addition, they were being encouraged to form cooperatives – a legally recognized organizational structure – that would permit further benefits to this informal sector. Compared to the challenges Ghana is facing […]

Posted in Africa, African Consumer Market, Biashara Economics, Emerging Markets, Flexibility, Frameworks, Indigenous & Traditional, Informal & Flexible, Mama Biashara, Marchés africains, Marketing, Migrant worker, Perspective, Prepaid Economy & Informal Sector, Retail in Africa, Strategy, Sub Saharan Africa, urban | Also tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Deconstructing “Formalization” as Panacea for the Informal Economy

By Niti Bhan | Published: July 22, 2017

IGO definitions of the informal economy are crafted from a top down perspective (Global North*) of the operating environment prevalent in the economies of the developing world (Global South*). Further, they do not distinguish between the operating environment of the shadow economies of OECD nations, and those which encompass the unorganized sectors of trade and […]

Posted in Africa, Analysis, Assumption filter, Biashara Economics, Business Models, Culture, Design, Economy, Ecosystem, Emerging Markets, Frameworks, Informal & Flexible, Mama Biashara, Perspective, Prepaid Economy & Informal Sector, Research, Strategy, Sub Saharan Africa, Systems | Also tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Uber’s app lowers barriers to formalization for unorganized taxi industry in Kenya

By Niti Bhan | Published: March 7, 2016

This interesting article in the Kenyan news made me think about the role that an app like Uber could play in markets where there’s a high proportion of informal & unregulated business activity. As with much technological advancement, resistance comes with change. Mpesa and the internet were once thought to be passing fads and have […]

Posted in Africa, African Consumer Market, Alternative currency, Business Models, Cashless transactions, Consumer Behaviour, Ecosystem, Flexibility, Innovation Planning, Mobile platform, Perspective, Platforms, Prepaid Economy & Informal Sector, Sub Saharan Africa, Technology, urban, User research | Also tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment