Network of Informal Economy Relations in Africa
Introduction to the Topic
This visualization explores the connections within the informal economy across different regions of
the African continent.
Using a network graph, it represents interactions between nodes symbolizing geographic zones. The
goal is to highlight how certain regions are more densely connected, which may be linked to informal
flows of labor, trade, or social networks.
Dataset Description
Dataset: Synthetic network of interactions in Africa's informal economy
- Period: Unspecified (atemporal model of relations)
- Variables: Node ID, Node label (African region), edges between nodes
- Units: Nodes represent regions; edges represent informal relationships
- Resolution: African regional level
Visualization Objective
To identify the most central nodes in the informal network, highlight regional clusters, and analyze
connection patterns in the informal economy across Africa.
Methodology
- Graph construction: An undirected network was structured from a set of regions
and their links.
- Visual representation: A force-directed layout was used to position nodes based
on connection density.
- Analysis: Nodes with the highest degree of centrality and communities
identified through modularity algorithms were highlighted.
- Interpretation: Key bridging regions and more isolated zones were analyzed
within the network.
Key Insights
- W Africa and N Africa: High connectivity, indicating a central role in informal
dynamics.
- S Africa: Peripheral position but crucial in bridging distant parts of the
network.
- Mid Africa: Densely connected node within the continental interior.
- E Africa: Fewer connections, but locally relevant interactions.
Source
- Synthetic data generated based on known patterns from studies on Africa’s informal economy.