ICT for informal workers in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review and analysis

Abstract

In Africa, wide diffusion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and Internet technology, has opened new opportunities for informal workers. New opportunities include better access to information, improved welfare, reduction of search and transaction costs, and improved competitiveness. Despite these opportunities, there is limited scientific knowledge about the available technologies applied in the informal economic sector in Africa. In this research, we reviewed recent ICT projects and initiatives designed for informal economy in Sub-Saharan Africa through the lens of design philosophies, applied technology, and the services offered. Our findings show low level of ICT uptake by informal workers, scarce use of user-centered design principles, lack of design science research approaches, and uneven distribution of ICT solutions among informal workers. We recommend the software developers to strive towards implementing ICT solutions that are designed based on the reallife challenges faced by informal workers.

Contemporary Challenges in Street Trader-Customer Interaction Through Mobile Devices in Dodoma, Tanzania

“…The motivation for carrying out this study is attributed to the recent broad diffusion and adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly mobile devices. These technologies have opened new opportunities for informal workers' activities [13]. There are signs that street traders have adopted mobile phones to interact with customers and indeed they understand the potentials of ICTs in business.…”

Mobile technology for street trading in Tanzania: A design science research approach for determining user requirements

“…In SSA countries, there are a number of examples regarding how informal workers adopt and use mobile applications to support their informal activities. Mobile applications to support informal workers' activities have emerged in areas of financial services, transportation, market and marketing information, business networking, mobile money, government services and utility access, veterinary care and medications, insurance services, transportation, weather information, advisory services, education, and smallholder farming (Mramba et al, 2017). Many mobile applications for small-scale farmers are being developed in Kenya (Baumuller, 2016).…”

Diffusion of Innovations and Labor Market Challenges: A Multiple Case Study from Angola

“…From a sub-Saharan Africa perspective, the concept is often related to informal market economies that have existed prior to slave trade and colonialism and are rooted in capitalist economic systems without any ties to modern capitalist development or government regulations (Ojo, 2015;Medina, Jonelis, & Cangul, 2017;Mramba, Rumanyika, Apiola, & Suhonen, 2017;Ogbuabor & Malaolu, 2013). Some researchers characterized this type of market as marginal, lacking knowledge and skills to compete in the formal market and therefore contributing to a widespread of regional unemployment (Chen, 2014).…”