Conferences and summits: InfoPoint conference: Unlocking economic potential - How formalising the informal sector drives inclusive and sustainable development

The informal economy provides vital income and employment for millions across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Yet, many informal enterprises - particularly those led by women and youth - struggle to grow, access finance, or transition into the formal economy.

Recognising this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is implementing a five-year project titled ‘Supporting Informal Enterprises Transition Towards Sustainable Growth and Formalization in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Regions’. Funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the project is currently underway in Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Solomon Islands.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 10 April 2025

Time: 11:00 - 12:30 (CEST)

Location: InfoPoint

Languages: English

Organisers: International Partnerships InfoPoint

Project Focus Areas

The project focuses on five strategic outcome areas:

• Enabling policy and regulatory reforms
• Facilitating access to finance
• Building capacity of both informal enterprises and financial intermediaries
• Fostering collective action and innovation within key sectors
• Disseminating knowledge at regional and global levels

These interventions aim to create a more supportive ecosystem where informal enterprises can thrive and transition toward sustainability and formality. By tackling barriers such as limited business knowledge, lack of access to capital, and weak regulatory incentives, the project is unlocking economic potential and building the foundation for more inclusive, resilient economies. This aligns strongly with the EU’s development priorities around decent work, private sector growth, and leaving no one behind.

The presentation highlights the power of EU-UNDP collaboration in catalysing systemic change and invites stakeholders to explore opportunities for deepening and scaling this impact.

Speakers

• Paz VELASCO VELAZQUEZ, acting Head of Unit, INTPA E2
• Fred AMPIAH, UNDP Resident Representative
• Nikola KUTIN, EUD Sierra Leone
• Judith AGUGA, Project Manager Informal Economy Project - UNDP
• Craig CHURCHILL, ILO project Focal Person
• Anthony Brand, Expert, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises OACPS

Language: English

Q&A session languages: English