A critical assessment of the urban informal sector in Namibia : a case study of Windhoek

Abstract

It is widely accepted that the informal sector is an alternative employment creator. The general realisation unfortunately is, that the informal sector is totally un- and underdeveloped in Namibia. The focus of this dissertation is: to develop a profile of the operators, to identify the problems experienced by the informal operators; to identify institutions involved in supporting this sector; to identify informal sector development in other countries and recommendations that resulted from the study. The study pointed out the important principle that the informal sector must be seen as an integral part of the market system if it is to survive and also identified the necessity of distinguishing the needs that are unique to this sector and to find practical and affordable solutions. This study also pointed out the most identifiable constraints to the development of this sector. Lastly, recommendations to support this sector are provided.