Economic constraint remains the main motivation for the creation of informal production units (UPI), according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP). The 2023/2024 national survey reveals that 68.3 % of UPIs are created out of necessity, an even higher rate in women (71.9 %). The latter often combine their activity with family responsibilities, which further complicates their entrepreneurial career. In addition, the majority of UPI chiefs were already active before launching their own activity, with a more marked male presence in the sectors such as construction.
The financing of these units is largely based on equity (91 % for daily operation), access to bank credit being almost nonexistent (only 1.1 % use it). Most UPI chiefs prefer to avoid debt or give it up due to too high guarantees or unsuitable legal status. In addition, only 2.1 % have a bank account dedicated to their activity. Self -financing therefore remains the standard, with very little formal external support.
In terms of employment, the informal sector represented 33.1 % of non -agricultural employment in 2023, decreasing compared to 2014. This drop is notable in industry and services, while trade and construction record a slight increase. In volume, the number of informal jobs, however, increased to 2.53 million. Trade remains the main job provider (44.1 %), followed by services (28.7 %). The wage earning is underdeveloped (10.4 %), often informal and without contract, mainly obtained via personal relations.
M.BA.
