Summary (English)

Chapter 1 presents an overview of the informal economy and the main issues relating to social coverage for this sector; it focuses on the challenges posed by the different social security needs of this huge and diverse target group, the low and irregular incomes, and the general lack of reliable information.
Chapter 2 looks at approaches to extending social security. It opens with a discussion of key aspects of the design of social security schemes, such as financing, benefit package design, and whether participation should be voluntary or compulsory. It introduces different extension approaches and targets – extending social security not only on the basis of schemes currently in place but through the introduction, for example, of special new schemes, micro-insurance schemes and the universal scheme.
Chapter 3 outlines the studies required and actions that will need to be undertaken in order to design and implement a strategic and cost-effective programme to extend social security coverage to the informal economy and to other population groups not yet covered.