Michael Grimm|Peter Knorringa|Jann Lay
Constrained Gazelles: High Potentials in West Africa’s Informal Economy
Erasmus University Rotterdam|IZA - Institute of Labor Economics|Erasmus University Rotterdam|German Institute for Global and Area Studies|University of Göttingen
informal sector typically characterized heterogeneous possibly composed two clearly distinct segments sometimes called lower upper tiers however empirical evidence shows even among lower tier entrepreneurs profitability quite high combine findings develop innovative approach identify call constrained gazelles next wellknown survivalists lower tier growthoriented topperformers upper tier sample informal entrepreneurs seven westafrican countries allows link relative size three groups structural macroeconomic environment countries