Namibian government establishes committee to formalize informal economy

Tangeni Shindondola, executive director of the Dynamic Informal Traders Association and secretary general of the Namibia Informal, Domestic Workers Allied Union, stated that this initiative is crucial for designing inclusive legal frameworks and budgeting for the informal economy. This includes social protection, financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and targeted interventions to facilitate formalization. Shindondola highlighted that approximately 57% of Namibians work in the informal economy, with 80% to 90% of Africa's economy being informal, emphasizing the need for governments to invest in this sector to achieve industrialization, job creation, and wealth.

The committee, expected to be launched on August 21 by Modestus Amutse, the minister of industrialisation, mines and energy, comprises stakeholders from various ministries, the Bank of Namibia, National Planning Commission, Social Security Commission, informal economy associations, trade unions, and employer federations. This move aligns with the International Labour Organisation Resolution 2004 and a chapter in Namibia's sixth National Development Plan focused on informal economy development. Pendapala Nakathingo, secretary general of the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association, confirmed his participation, aiming to formalize the taxi industry to pro