led a-z
Informal sector
These are (often micro-) businesses who operate not within the formal or legal sector and therefore are not provided with services. Usually informal businesses are not able to use assets as collateral for new productive investments. Nevertheless, the informal sector is the economic engine of many Sub-Saharan local economies.
Infrastructure
The term infrastructure describes the basic physical and organisational structures needed for the operation of a community or company or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function. The term typically refers to the technical structures that support a society, such as roads, water supply, electricity, telecommunication, ICT and others. Infrastructure is needed for a business environment that facilitates the production of goods and services, e.g. roads enable the transport of goods from the producers to the markets. In some contexts, the term may also refer to other factors like basic social services such as schools and hospitals. The poor state of infrastructure in many Sub-Saharan countries affects economic growth and productivity. Many countries face challenges in financing infrastructure and its maintainance. Functioning infrastructure is part of a business environment which is conducive to economic growth.