STUDY LABOUR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKING IN THE SHADOWS Informal Employment in Ethiopia Susanne Stollreiter and Rudolf Traub-Merz(eds.) May 2023 The informal economy is by far the largest provider of em­ployment and livelihood oppor­tunities in Ethiopia. The informal economy workers are exposed to severe decent work deficits, including the lack of access to public social protection. Ethiopia’s informal econo­my is well organized, with two thirds being member of an as­sociation, a cooperative, or an indigenous organization such as an Iddir (insurance) or an Eqqub(saving). Most informal workers join social groups for obtaining social ser­vices. Trade unions may provide organizing support. Many of the informal workers’ organizations are rather local. This limits their ability to take part in national policymaking, decision-making or social dia­logue. Nevertheless, they are essential for civil society: they strengthen commu­nities, deliver economic and fi­nancial services and extend social protection.