What does it take to make an informal enterprise protected, competitive and resilient?
The real face of the informal sector
The informal sector is often described as a gap to be closed. In practice it is a dense, diversified, deeply local commercial system that feeds cities, distributes goods, absorbs labour, keeps prices down and ensures visibility.
Wholesalers, stall owners, cross-border traders and market unions moving goods every day.
Farmers, food processors, artisans and manufacturers supplying local and export markets.
Transporters, repair technicians, tailors, caterers, care workers and last-mile distributors.
Kiosks, neighbourhood shops and social-commerce sellers serving customers every day.
Local markets, national value
They connect producers to customers, create livelihoods and extend distribution into places larger systems may not reach. Better finance, protection and market access help these businesses grow and serve their communities.
What is valuable to the informal sector
Franvia brings together influence, finance, policy and commercial partnerships. We turn these relationships into lasting support for informal businesses.
Support
Finance, practical business support, logistics and links to buyers.
Regulation
Registration, licensing, taxation and consumer protection designed with operators, so compliance can unlock finance and contracts.
Scale
Associations, clusters and cooperatives that organise demand and open larger markets.
The goal, and how we get there quickly
The associations, public offices, lenders and trade platforms already exist. Franvia connects them and builds a clear system for working together.
01
Reliable data on who operates, what they trade and what their businesses need.
02
Practical ways for banks, lenders and insurers to serve businesses sustainably.
03
Legal standing, dispute resolution and safety nets that protect livelihoods.
04
Support anchored in institutions and associations so it continues when leadership changes.
Soft power meets the informal sector
Offices of First Ladies can convene partners, mobilise resources and reach traders directly. Franvia helps turn that influence into structured programmes that continue beyond a single term of office.
Development work that is measured, documented and clearly reported.
Programmes anchored in structures and partnerships so delivery can continue.
Structures that preserve the value of the work beyond a single term of office.
The model also applies where the office is held by a First Gentleman.
"Financial inclusion is a key enabler to reducing poverty and boosting prosperity."
Associations
Trade associations, market unions and cooperatives already organise businesses. Franvia works with them to expand access to finance, data, training and policy dialogue.
Associations and market unions understand their members and can support broad participation.
Associations can organise shared needs, records and access to finance.
Associations bring operators' experience into policy and programme design.
They help members uphold quality, resolve disputes and meet shared commitments.
Association in focus
NANTS represents traders across Nigeria and contributes to trade policy, market governance and cross-border trade in West Africa. It also participated in the Kenya and Nigeria trade mission featured below.
Track record
Our team delivered these engagements while operating as the informal sector division of Tradeflow Africa Ltd., now a sister company. The work connected businesses to finance and cross-border market opportunities.
Domestic opportunity: capital access
We connected Zedvance with trade leaders and operators, creating a direct route for suitable financial products to reach organised market networks.
Delivered as the informal sector division of Tradeflow Africa Ltd.
Read the announcement
International opportunity: market access
We facilitated a trade mission connecting manufacturers, traders, chambers of commerce and financial institutions from both countries. The programme created direct buyer and supplier relationships and a pathway for smaller businesses to participate in cross-border trade.
Delivered as the informal sector division of Tradeflow Africa Ltd.
From the Kenya and Nigeria trade mission
Who we work with
If you provide capital, policy, logistics, data, technology, training or market access that strengthens informal businesses, we want to work with you.
National and subnational offices that can convene partners and mobilise markets.
Banks, lenders, fintechs and insurers developing useful products for the sector.
Public institutions responsible for trade, finance, registration and market governance.
Trusted networks that connect programmes and services with operators.
Funders and technical partners supporting inclusion, MSME growth and trade.
Manufacturers, distributors and buyers working through local supply chains.
Work with us
If you hold public office, run a financial institution, lead an association or manage a supply chain, we would like to hear from you. Every enquiry reaches the Franvia team.
General enquiry
Every enquiry reaches the Franvia team directly and receives a considered reply. Share the shape of your work and we will come back with the right people in the room.
