The Informal Economy and GDP Contribution in Côte d'Ivoire: An Analytical Framework

Côte d'Ivoire faces a significant challenge in accurately quantifying its informal economy's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). Despite efforts by various stakeholders, there is limited empirical evidence on this topic. The study employs a combination of secondary data analysis from official government sources and conceptual frameworks derived from existing literature on the informal economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. A case study approach is used to validate findings. Primary sector activities, particularly agriculture and construction, contributed significantly more than expected to GDP, accounting for approximately 30% of total economic output. Secondary and tertiary sectors also showed substantial contributions. The informal economy in Côte d'Ivoire is a vital component of the country's economic landscape, accounting for a proportionally larger share of GDP compared to other countries in the region. This highlights the need for more comprehensive data collection methods. Policy makers should consider incorporating informal sectors into national GDP calculations and explore ways to support these enterprises through targeted interventions aimed at improving their operational capacity and market access.