Informal Youth Employment in the Mobile Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa

This report shines a light on informal economic opportunities created directly in the mobile industry value chain. Between December 2020 and February 2021, GSMA Mobile for Development conducted interviews and surveys with young people working directly and informally in the mobile industry in six Sub-Saharan African countries.

The research assessed the drivers, working conditions, challenges and benefits of these economic opportunities from the perspective of young people and other stakeholders, and will enable operators, policymakers, development organisations and industry leaders to find targeted solutions to the challenges that young people face in building sustainable livelihoods in informal roles in the industry.