Empowering the Informal Economy: Khathang Tema–LEFITA’s path to structured policy dialogue
For street vendors and cross-border traders, negotiation skills are the ultimate tool for survival and growth. Without formal contracts or legal safety nets, workers rely heavily on collective bargaining to secure trading spaces, fight unfair eviction and navigate complex cross-border trade policies. by Uthman Kaisi In March 2026, Streetnet International conducted a Negotiation Skills Follow-up […]
In Togo, workers are choosing social and solidarity economy
FAINATRASIT is undergoing training in the social and solidarity economy to empower informal economy workers reaching financial autonomy In a context where workers in the informal sector struggle to access formal financial services, a training session on the social and solidarity economy (SSE) brought together thirty delegates from the Federation of National Associations and Initiatives […]
Guatemala is leading the launch of a pilot project on the social and solidarity economy in Latin America
by Daniel Peralta In a decisive step toward strengthening the informal economy sector in the region, the first meeting of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) workshop was held. This meeting, organized by FENTRAVIG (Federation of Independent Street Vendors of Guatemala) in collaboration with StreetNet International and Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing, marks […]
Youth in Action: Four Days of Learning, Self-Expression, and Action in Benin
“Young people are not just the future of the informal economy; they are its present. It is essential that we organize ourselves, learn from one another, and play an active role in building inclusive and strong unions.”
Historic Meeting with the IACHR Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights: The Voices of Street Vendors Reach REDESCA
In a crucial step toward recognizing the rights of informal economy workers in Latin America, a high-level dialogue session was held last Wednesday evening with Javier Palummo, Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
When fire burns away our efforts: A look at the pain of the markets in Guatemala and Honduras
It has been about a month since the end-of-year celebrations ended, but market vendors celebrated in a different way. While most people were putting away their Christmas decorations and preparing for the expenses of the new year, hundreds of merchants in the municipality of Mixco, Guatemala, at the Corolingia Market, and in neighboring cities in […]
Beyond the Lights: The Hidden Hazards of Holiday Trading
Article by Nancy Likilipa and Uthman Kaisi As the holiday season brightens urban streets across Zimbabwe and Malawi, a familiar surge of activity returns. Informal traders, the backbone of local economies, line pavements with goods, hoping to harness the festive rush for crucial earnings. Yet behind this vibrant scene lies a stark reality of vulnerability, […]
Strentgh in unity: How informal economy workers are building financial security through collective savings
For many informal economy workers in Kigali Rwanda, saving money individually has long been a challenge. Irregular incomes, daily survival needs, and lack of access to formal financial services often make it difficult to plan for the future. Through the Tuzamukane project, this reality began to change by organizing workers into savings groups that encourage […]
New Year’s Message from the International Coordinator (2025)
Dear Sisters and Brothers, Friends and Supporters! My sincere greetings and appreciation to all of you for your constant dedication, support, contribution and belief in the cause and mission of StreetNet International. As we are about to say goodbye to 2025 and are welcoming the New Year, on behalf of StreetNet International, I would like […]
Rasulpur Street Vendor Community in Bangladesh celebrates street vendors’ day
Street Vendors’ Day was celebrated with great unity and pride by the Rasulpur Street Vendor Community at the local market.
