nep-iue New Economics Papers
on Informal and Underground Economics
Issue of 2024‒04‒29
four papers chosen by
Catalina Granda Carvajal, Banco de la República
  1. Offshore tax evasion in developing countries: Evidence and policy discussion By Niels Johannesen
  2. Gig Sector in the African Economy: Frameworks, Challenges and Prospects By Nwaobi, Godwin
  3. Effect of Informal Employment on Overeducation in Developing Countries with a focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) By Cedrick Kalemasi Mosengo; Christian Zamo Akono
  4. Challenges and Resilience in Female Entrepreneurship in Mali: Socio-Economic Barriers and Survival Strategies By Etienne Fakaba Sissoko; Abdoulaye N'Tigui Konare; Ousmane Mariko
  1. By: Niels Johannesen
    Abstract: Offshore tax havens cause large losses of government revenue by facilitating tax evasion by wealthy individuals. This paper focuses on offshore tax evasion in developing countries and documents two empirical regularities. First, there is no clear development gradient in the exposure to offshore tax havens: a range of indicators suggests that wealth held in offshore tax havens, measured relative to the size of the economy, correlates only weakly with economic development.
    Keywords: Tax evasion, Tax havens, Offshore financial centres
    Date: 2024
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-15&r=iue
  2. By: Nwaobi, Godwin
    Abstract: Notably, Africa countries have enjoyed relatively strong economic growth for the past years (decade) mainly because of impressive global demand for primary commodities. Unfortunately, Africa’s economic growth had failed to generate many good jobs and thus postponing the benefits of the demographic divided of a large working-age population. Consequently, digital (online) gig work is rapidly increasing new form of work that poses tough challenges and tradeoffs for African governments. Essentially, these gig jobs could be a stepping stone to better-quality jobs for young or low-skilled workers by way of assisting them to learn critical digital skills that closes the digital divide. However, gig workers are not usually protected by labor regulations against unfair practices or abuse or injuries at work. Therefore, this paper argues that given the low levels of implementation of labor laws in African countries, future polices should consider various stakeholders in the gig ecosystem (from both supply and demand sides) as well as digital platforms operation. In other words, as several continents have made the transition to technology-enabled platforms for services; Africa should not be left out of the digital boom for the sake of prosperity and sustainable development
    Keywords: Gig Work, Digital Work, Africa, Digital Platforms, Microtask, Labour Policies, Regulations, African Governments, Labour Market, Digital Currency, Gig Supply, Gig Demand Gig Services, Policy Makers, Labour Laws Development, Economic Growth, Online Work
    JEL: E20 E24 E26 E61 E62 G23 H24 H55 I30 I31 J45 J65 J80 K31 M13 O15 O30 O38
    Date: 2024–03–23
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:120532&r=iue
  3. By: Cedrick Kalemasi Mosengo (University of Kinshasa, the DRC); Christian Zamo Akono (University of Yaoundé 2, Cameroon)
    Abstract: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of informal employment on the occurrence of overeducation in developing countries, focusing on the specific case of the DRC. Using employment data, we determine the incidence of overeducation and we isolate the role of informal employment as a determinant of overeducation. To measure overeducation, we mainly use the normative (adequationist) approach. We find an incidence of overeducation in the order of 33.3% in the DRC labor market. The econometric results based on recursive bivariate Probit suggest a positive and significant effect of informal employment. The results found are robust even when using the statistical approach as an alternative measure of overeducation. These findings suggest a set of measures likely to reduce the incidence of overeducation on the labor market. These should focus on the formalization of informal sector employment and policies to improve labor market matches.
    Keywords: Skills mismatch, Overeducation, Undereducation, Informal employment
    JEL: E26 E24 I21 J24
    Date: 2024–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:agd:wpaper:24/008&r=iue
  4. By: Etienne Fakaba Sissoko; Abdoulaye N'Tigui Konare; Ousmane Mariko (USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako, CREG - Centre de recherche en économie de Grenoble - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)
    Abstract: This study delves into female entrepreneurship in Mali, a context defined by complex and shifting socio-economic challenges. It thoroughly investigates the unique difficulties faced by Malian female entrepreneurs and their resilience strategies. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study combines qualitative and quantitative analyses, conducting interviews with 120 entrepreneurs. This allows for an understanding of both overarching trends and individual experiences. The findings reveal that, despite hurdles such as limited access to financing, marketing and communication challenges, and balancing professional and family responsibilities, these women play a vital yet often undervalued role in Mali's economy. Their adaptability is evident in their activity diversification and innovation. The analysis also highlights the impact of political and economic crises, including significant inflation, on female entrepreneurship. Existing supportive policies are hindered by bureaucratic issues and a lack of inter-institutional coordination. The theoretical framework draws on concepts such as female empowerment, social capital, and gender roles to better comprehend these experiences. The study enriches existing literature by focusing on an often-overlooked African context, thereby deepening the understanding of female entrepreneurship. It underscores the importance for policymakers to recognize and actively support female entrepreneurship and encourages managers to adopt inclusive practices. Targeted public policies and programs are essential to overcome challenges and maximize the potential of Malian female entrepreneurs. In conclusion, this research offers valuable insights into the complexities and dynamics of female entrepreneurship in Mali, highlighting the need to support these women entrepreneurs, who are significant contributors to their society and economy.
    Abstract: Cette étude examine l'entrepreneuriat féminin au Mali, un contexte caractérisé par des défis socio-économiques complexes et changeants. Elle analyse en profondeur les difficultés uniques auxquelles les entrepreneures maliennes sont confrontées et leurs stratégies de résilience. Utilisant une méthode mixte, l'étude combine analyses qualitatives et quantitatives, avec des entretiens menés auprès de 120 entrepreneures. Cela permet de saisir à la fois les tendances globales et les expériences personnelles. Les résultats montrent que, malgré des obstacles tels que l'accès limité au financement, les défis de marketing et de communication, et la conciliation entre responsabilités professionnelles et familiales, ces femmes jouent un rôle crucial, mais souvent sous-évalué dans l'économie malienne. Leur adaptabilité se manifeste par la diversification des activités et l'innovation. L'analyse met également en lumière l'impact des crises politiques et économiques, y compris une inflation notable, sur l'entrepreneuriat féminin. Les politiques de soutien existantes sont freinées par des problématiques bureaucratiques et un manque de coordination interinstitutionnelle. Le cadre théorique s'appuie sur des notions telles que l'empowerment féminin, le capital social, et les rôles de genre pour mieux comprendre ces expériences. L'étude enrichit la littérature existante en se focalisant sur un contexte africain souvent négligé, approfondissant ainsi la compréhension de l'entrepreneuriat féminin. Elle souligne l'importance pour les décideurs politiques de reconnaitre et soutenir l'entrepreneuriat féminin et encourage les gestionnaires à adopter des pratiques inclusives. Des politiques publiques et des programmes ciblés sont essentiels pour surmonter les défis et maximiser le potentiel des entrepreneures maliennes. En conclusion, cette recherche offre des insights précieux sur les complexités et la dynamique de l'entrepreneuriat féminin au Mali, mettant en évidence la nécessité de soutenir ces femmes entrepreneures, contributrices significatives à leur société et à l'économie. Entrepreneurship; Female; Resilience; Mali; Informal Sector. Empirical research
    Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Female, Resilience, Informal Sector, Mali, Entrepreneuriat, Féminin, Résilience, Secteur informel
    Date: 2024
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04511932&r=iue
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