Socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on informal enterprises

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Overall, Africa is relatively spared from the health consequences of the VIDC-19 pandemic. However, forecasts and current work show that it will suffer or is already suffering serious socio-economic consequences. This research contributes to this debate by focusing on informal enterprises in urban centres in Burkina Faso. With the gender approach systematically applied in the analyses, the research provides important insights in terms of gender-differentiated impact. It reveals a significant negative impact of the crisis on turnover, which has affected young people more than adults. Young people have also been the most affected by the rise in unemployment. Overall, the temporary closure of the company and the total stoppage of production hit women harder. On the other hand, women’s and youth firms made the least use of layoffs and lower wages as a means of adjustment. In times of crisis, specific support for youth and women’s enterprises can therefore be a strategic option for job retention.