This article is written by Dorcas Rachetee Ishimwe, youth reporter from Rwanda

From 29th July 2024 to 1st August 2024, Streetnet International’s affiliates from West and Central Africa met for a regional meeting in Lome- Togo, hosted by FAINATRASIT( Faîtière Nationale des Travailleurs du Secteur Informel du Togo). The meeting was attended by around forty members of its affiliated from Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

The purpose of the meeting was to develop a regional strategy that reflects the concerns of the affiliates and strengthened solidarity and collective actions, and also define recommendations for the SNI global strategic planning 2025-2028.

Komi Kessouagni, the focal point person for the West and Central African region, commenced the meeting with welcome remarks, and also introduced representatives from the government of Togo, in particular Mr. Eelôm Gbatch, Director General of Social Protection in the Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Administrative Reform. He shared insights on the way of collaboration with the informal sector workers’ organizations, and what the government of Togo is doing to promote social protection for workers in the informal economy.

After opening remarks by the President of the host organization, the Faitière Nationale des Travailleurs du Secteur Informel du Togo (FAINATRASIT), Comrade Kozon Badawi, thanked everyone, especially the SNI, for creating such an initiative, a genuine source of cohesion between affiliates. The Chief of Township AKLASSOU 4, the head of Land in the area where the activity took place, was invited to give his blessing for the success of the event. The representative of the Mayor of the city of Lomé was keen to convey the same message. Participants also received welcome remarks from Streetnet Iternational’s Coordinator, Oksana Abboud, connected virtually. She described the Lomé meeting as important for workers in the informal economy and stressed on the need to share experiences and best practices. The leadership of StreetNet also had the opportunity to visit the Asigame and Hezdranawoe Market in Lomé, meeting with vendors and FAINATRASIT members.

The core significance of social protection

Throughout the meeting, the participants engaged in various discussions aimed at analyzing the challenges faced by street vendors and as well as effective schemes that should be adapted to address those challenges.

The issue of lack of social protection towards the informal economy workers raised the most concerns among the participants. They discussed and shared experiences from their own respective countries in regards to the existing and non-existing social protection services for their members. Comrade Olugbenga Komolafe, a member of Streetnet International Council and General Secretary of FIWON (Nigeria)presented the draft SNI African Regional Platform of demands on social protection which furthered the discussions on how social protection practices can be extended to informal economy workers, especially street vendors.

“Through the exchange of experiences with social protection schemes across our respective countries, we have gained valuable insights that will enhance each member’s engagement in social protection dialogues with policymakers. For instance, in Rwanda, it is recommended to present a problem alongside a proposed solution. Understanding how our comrades are addressing social protection challenges in the informal economy will inform the development of our own strategies, potentially leading to more effective solutions.” Said Jeannette Nyiramasengesho the SNI treasurer and General Secretary of SYTRIECI Rwanda.

Aligning to a strategic plan

Through group deliberations, participants drafted the 2025-2027 regional action plan, identifying key strategic priorities and methods for achieving them. Among these priorities were transitioning from the informal to the formal economy and extending social protection to workers in the informal economy. Following these discussions, participants presented the findings gathered during their sessions.

Comrade Willie Choupa, the secretary general of CSA-BENIN, chaired the review of the existing regional strategy, focusing on necessary changes and improvements. Participants also reviewed and validated the regional strategy and recommendations for the SNI Global Strategic Plan 2025-2028, while offering their own suggestions during group discussions.

Innovative ideas from the regional leaders

The regional meeting is a space to share innovative practices and ideas for the future of the sector.”One of the primary challenges we face as informal economy workers is the loss of workspace for street and market vendors. As a youth member of the informal sector, I propose that the youth leverage their access to the internet and digital devices to establish a ‘Digital Street.’ Such a platform would not only facilitate trading but also provide a space for youth in the informal sector to share their experiences and challenges.” suggested Mobolaji Otuyelu, national youth secretary of FIWON Nigeria.

Alice Nkunzimana, a member of Streetnet International’s council, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration: “It is very important that we come together as a region because it provides us with the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and collaboratively contribute ideas and insights to our region and SNI’s strategic plans, shaping our future as organizations representing informal economy workers.”