Fostering the Social and Solidarity Economy and Formalizing Informality in MENA Countries

Philippe Adair, Vladimir Hlasny, Mariem Omrani () and Kareem Rosshandler ()
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Mariem Omrani: UNDP
Kareem Rosshandler: The Economic Growth Pillar, West Asia-North Africa Institute

No 1604, Working Papers from Economic Research Forum

Abstract: First, youth inactivity, unemployment and informal employment are pervasive in the MENA labour markets. Using microdata from Labor Market Panel Surveys, and ERF COVID-19 MENA Monitors for six MENA countries, workers’ employment statuses are assessed separately by age group and gender. Second, the social and solidarity economy (SSE) includes both for profit and non-profit entities, cooperatives, associations and mutual. Their legal frameworks and economic impact, especially in terms of employment and GDP contribution are surveyed. Third, personal savings and grants remain the major funding sources of SSEs, which face structural deficiencies in the banking system and lack tailored financial products that the microfinance industry should overcome. Four, formalisation policies encapsulate distinct strategies, targets and impact assessment, wherein which the SSE including microfinance institutions plays a role in formalising both informal businesses and employees, as well as triggering job creation.

Pages: 27
Date: 2022-11-20, Revised 2022-11-20
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ara, nep-hme, nep-iue and nep-mfd
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