and Informality in Equatorial Guinea’s Urban Informal Sector: An Analysis of Regulatory Gaps

In Equatorial Guinea's urban areas, a significant portion of the population operates in the informal sector, engaging in activities such as street vending, small-scale trade, and construction work without formal recognition or regulation. An interdisciplinary approach combining legal analysis and socio-economic research to assess current laws and regulations pertaining to the urban informal sector. The study also includes interviews with key informants from both government agencies and informal sector members. A notable finding is that approximately 40% of urban businesses in Equatorial Guinea operate informally, highlighting a substantial regulatory gap between formal and informal sectors. The legal framework governing the urban informal sector in Equatorial Guinea is fragmented and often fails to provide adequate protection or support for its members. This leads to vulnerability, exploitation, and limited access to essential services. To address these gaps, the government should develop comprehensive legislation that explicitly recognizes the rights and needs of the urban informal sector, including provisions for social security and fair labour practices.