The Informal Economy and GDP in Côte d'Ivoire: An Ethnographic Inquiry

Côte d'Ivoire's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with a significant portion of its GDP generated by informal sector activities. An ethnographic study was conducted, involving participant observation and semi-structured interviews with informal economy operators across different regions of Côte d'Ivoire. Informal businesses contribute approximately 25% to Côte d'Ivoire's GDP, with street vendors accounting for nearly half of these contributions. The study highlights the resilience and importance of the informal economy in sustaining economic activities across various regions of Côte d'Ivoire despite facing regulatory challenges. Government policies should aim to provide a supportive framework that encourages sustainable growth within the informal sector while addressing existing constraints.