The Informal Economy and its Contribution to GDP in Côte d'Ivoire: A Qualitative Study

Côte d'Ivoire is a country where the informal economy plays a significant role in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite government efforts to formalize it, the sector remains substantial and under-researched. Qualitative data was collected from interviews with key informants in various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and services. Focus groups were also conducted to gather insights into informal economy dynamics. The findings indicate that the informal economy contributes approximately 30% to Côte d'Ivoire's GDP, highlighting its economic significance despite being untapped by formal institutions. This study underscores the importance of recognising and integrating the informal economy in official statistics for a comprehensive understanding of Côte d'Ivoire's GDP composition. To foster sustainable growth, there is a need to develop policies that support both formalization and regulation of the informal economy, ensuring its long-term contribution to economic stability. informal economy, Côte d'Ivoire, GDP, qualitative study