Country

% of labour force working in MSE sector

 

 

% of households depending on MSEs for at least half of household income

% of MSEs located in rural areas (1)

Kenya

16%

69%

78%

Zimbabwe

27%

52%

68%

Swaziland

24%

64%

77%

Malawi

21%

70%

90%

Lesotho

20%

75%

80%

 

source: Parker and Torres, 1993, K-Rep, p7

(1) definition of rural areas varies slightly according to the country. In Kenya it is areas with population of less than 2 000 people

 

Most MSEs are one-person enterprises (see table below).

 

Country

% of MSEs with one worker only

% of MSEs with 11 to 50 workers

 

Kenya

47%

1%

Zimbabwe

70%

1%

Swaziland

68%

n.a.

Malawi

60%

n.a.

Lesotho

80%

n.a.

 

source: Parker and Torres, 1993, K-Rep, p11