Systematic Review of Education's Role in the Urban Informal Economy of Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

This systematic literature review addresses the critical gap in understanding the nexus between education and the urban informal economy in Côte d'Ivoire. The informal sector dominates the Ivorian urban landscape, yet its relationship with formal education systems remains poorly articulated, leading to policy misalignments. The objective of this review is to synthesize existing empirical evidence to elucidate how education—both formal and non-formal—shapes, and is shaped by, participation and productivity within this sector. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across major academic databases and African research repositories, identifying 32 peer-reviewed studies and relevant grey literature published between 2000 and 2023. Findings reveal a persistent disconnect; formal education often fails to equip youth with the practical skills demanded by the informal market, fostering a cycle of underemployment. Conversely, indigenous apprenticeship systems, particularly within sectors like commerce and artisanal trades, demonstrate high efficacy in skills transmission but remain largely unrecognized by national qualifications frameworks. The review argues for a paradigm shift in educational policy towards greater integration of African-centric, flexible learning models that validate informal knowledge. This synthesis is significant for Ivorian policymakers and educators, advocating for a hybrid system that bridges formal curricula with the dynamic realities of the informal economy to foster sustainable livelihoods and inclusive urban development.