In recent years, the impacts of climate change are no longer just predictions: they are now part of everyday life for millions of informal economy workers in Africa

by Dorcas Rachetée Ishimwe

. From floods in Burundi to prolonged droughts in the Democratic Republic of Congo to violent winds and power cuts in Burkina Faso, StreetNet International affiliates are seeing their livelihoods threatened by increasingly frequent and violent climate shocks. In Côte d’Ivoire, rising sea levels and variations in rainfall are also disrupting economic and agricultural activities.

StreetNet affiliates in six countries—the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Burundi, and Rwanda—shared testimonies that reveal a common struggle: unpredictable rains, prolonged droughts, and violent winds destroying crops, goods, and workplaces. For those already working without social protection, climate change is dangerously increasing their vulnerability.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, LDFC members experience erratic rainfall and flash floods that destroy crops and threaten food security, especially for women. In Côte d’Ivoire, rising sea levels and extreme variations in rainfall disrupt agricultural and commercial activities. In Burkina Faso, heat waves and strong winds spoil perishable goods, exacerbating income loss. In Burundi and Rwanda, torrential rains cause flooding and landslides, making roads impassable for informal traders.

“In Rwanda, climate change has become an undeniable reality for workers in the informal economy. Torrential rains and floods destroy goods and infrastructure, leaving informal traders, who already work with very little protection, among the most affected. The government has put some support measures in place, such as disaster response and early warning systems, but much more needs to be done. SYTRIECI plays a key role in raising awareness, defending workers’ rights, and supporting initiatives that build their resilience. We urgently need stronger investment in resilient infrastructure, social protection for informal workers, and community-based solutions that enable us to adapt to this changing climate.

Nyiramasengesho Jeannette, General Secretary of SYTRIECI Rwanda and Treasurer of StreetNet International

Workers in the informal economy are not standing idly by. Affiliates are already taking action: reforestation campaigns, awareness workshops, solidarity funds, and advocacy for better infrastructure. In the DRC, LDFC is training its members in agroecology and composting. In Burkina Faso, SYNAVFL is conducting reforestation and sanitation campaigns in markets. In Burundi, SYVEBU is raising awareness among women about the prevention of rain- and cold-related illnesses. In Rwanda, SYTRIECI is promoting stronger shelters, community warning systems, and training on climate risk management.

StreetNet International calls for urgent recognition of the role that informal workers play in the local economy and for concrete investments in climate adaptation. These experiences show that, despite different contexts, workers in the informal economy in Africa face similar challenges. From Burkina Faso to the DRC, from Burundi to Rwanda, their adaptation efforts illustrate the need for coordinated regional support and sustainable investments to strengthen their collective resilience.

Supporting women and men in the informal economy through resilient infrastructure, social protection, and training is not only a matter of justice: it is an essential step toward stronger and more sustainable communities.

Dorcas Rachetée Ishimwe is a communication and human rights enthusiast, currently serving as a Communication Officer for SYTRIECI Rwanda (Syndicat de Travailleurs Domestiques et Indépendants dans l’économie Informelle). She also works with StreetNet International as the Regional Communicator for West and Central Africa. Dorcas is deeply passionate about advocating for human rights through strategic communication.