By Alexandria Procter, Managing Director, Digs Connect Board Member of the National Youth Development Agency and Waseem Carrim, CEO of the National Youth Development Agency
Consider this ratio for a minute. 45:45:10.
That is the global average of formal employment by large firms, self employed and informal, micro and small businesses and finally, the unemployed.
In South Africa, our ratio is something like this: 50:10:40.
Our formal employment statistics are on par or even exceeds global averages.
However, we have seemingly not been able to address the creation of jobs through small and medium enterprises despite a number of policy and programmatic interventions.
In recent years, the South African start-up ecosystem has captured the attention of global investors, with Cape Town’s “Silicon Cape” emerging as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. I witnessed this first hand as I built and launched my tech start-up, DigsConnect.com, right in the heart of Cape Town’s tech scene.
However, South Africa’s start-up ecosystem is really a story of two ecosystems. It is crucial that we acknowledge and recognise the immense potential of another dynamic and vibrant sector that often operates beneath the radar - the informal start-up sector.
There is a parallel start-up world in the informal sector that receives far less attention.We have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable resilience and creativity demonstrated by young entrepreneurs in the informal sector. These individuals, often facing limited resources and navigating complex regulatory environments, are driving economic activity and job creation within their communities.
The NYDA’s journey with informal sector start-ups has seen more than 100 000 young entrepreneurs provided with non-financial support, with more than 15 000 provided with financial support, creating and sustaining 45 000 jobs, and with more than 80% surviving beyond two years, the “valley of death” for small and micro enterprises.
The informal sector accounts for a substantial portion of South Africa’s economy.
According to a study by Statistics South Africa, the informal sector contributed approximately 6.2% to the country’s GDP in 2020, employing millions of South Africans and fostering economic resilience in the face of challenges.
Furthermore, the World Bank estimates that over 80% of new job opportunities in developing countries, including South Africa, are created within the informal sector.
These entrepreneurs not only provide employment for themselves but also generate income and livelihoods for their communities, particularly in marginalised areas where formal job opportunities are scarce.
This is part of the magic of South Africans, our ability to hustle, make a plan, provide solutions and services at a micro level that, when compounded, amount to something huge on the macros level. It’s what I experienced first hand with DigsConnect.com, when the shortage of university-built accommodation resulted in hundreds of thousands of private houses and flats, comprised of two, four or six bedrooms, became the ‘distributed’ residence to service our students’ accommodation needs.
In contrast, the formal start-up sector benefits from a more structured ecosystem with access to venture capital, incubation programs, and an extensive network of experienced mentors both locally and abroad. This sector tends to focus on high-tech and scalable businesses, attracting significant investment and fostering global connections.
While it is undoubtedly a driving force for innovation, it is important not to overlook the potential of the informal sector and the inclusive growth it can generate.
South Africa’s informal start-up sector shares similarities with its counterparts in Ghana and Nigeria. These countries also possess vibrant ecosystems where entrepreneurs operate within informal settings, catering to the unique needs and challenges of their respective communities. According to the International Labour Organization, the informal sector accounts for more than 80% of total employment in Ghana and approximately 65% in Nigeria, showcasing the significant role these sectors play in their economies.
To unlock the full potential of the informal start-up sector, it is crucial for government agencies, such as the NYDA, to support these entrepreneurs through targeted programs and initiatives. Recognising the importance of this sector, the NYDA has been actively engaged in identifying the needs and challenges faced by informal start-ups. Through initiatives such as mentorship programmes, skills development workshops, and access to micro finance options, the NYDA aims to empower and uplift these young entrepreneurs.
A culture shift is also required away from job seekers to towards job creators. This shift could be managed by harnessing the existing potential of young people while they are engaged in short term programmes to see an exit towards enterprise development.
There is also a need for support from local government upwards to support enterprise development, which moves away from criminalising informal activity towards harnessing it.
Funding remains a critical piece of the puzzle, and innovative funding models that could be explored include re-purposing the Social Relief of Distress grant as well as Public Employment funding towards sustainable enterprise development is critical. Existing private sector Enterprise Supplier Development and ESG funds should not only consider supporting to existing small businesses but should fundamentally support the creation of new market entrants.
Furthermore, collaboration between the formal and informal sectors is essential.
Cape Town’s ‘Silicon Cape’ and similar innovation hubs across the country can act as catalysts for collaboration, offering mentorship, expertise, and access to market opportunities to informal start-ups. And informal start-ups can share lessons on adaptability, resilience and working in price-sensitive communities. This cross-pollination of ideas and resources can lead to innovative solutions that address the diverse needs of our society.
South Africa’s informal start-up sector has the potential to be a powerful force for economic and social transformation. By harnessing its energy, creativity, and localised approach, we can build a more inclusive and resilient economy. It is imperative that we, as a nation, recognise and support the informal sector’s contributions, empowering young entrepreneurs to thrive and create a brighter future for all South Africans.