24/02/2026
As world leaders met in Davos for the World Economic Forum in January, geopolitical uncertainties, new technologies and changing trade relationships have emerged as challenges impacting the world of work.
However, with these leaders’ primary focus on artificial intelligence and the digital revolution, a critical question arises: what about the challenge of jobs today?
A recurring theme in Davos was the persistent optimism about the private sector’s ability to generate wealth and create jobs, with governments encouraged to incentivize corporations. However, research has found no evidence that corporate tax reductions lead to increased employment or economic growth. Instead, the rich got richer without any significant social or economic benefits.
In contrast, employment in the informal economy has been associated with reductions in extreme poverty and, in many regions, serves as a vital source of income for vulnerable women and girls. And yet, these workers are seen as obstacles to development. Their contributions continue to be undervalued and misrepresented in policy spaces, whilst governments disproportionately target the informal economy as a way to increase revenues.
💡 Read more in our latest blog by Siviwe Mhlana and Mike Rogan: https://www.wiego.org/blog/davos-elephant-room-taxation-informal-economy/
