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Research Paper | Psychology Science | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 441 - 445 | Republic of the Congo
Dynamics of the Pirate Market in Lubumbashi: Analysis of Causes and Consequences
Abstract: The pirate market in Lubumbashi constitutes a major informal activity driven by poverty, unemployment, and the lack of economic opportunities. It enables residents to meet their immediate needs by providing quick and accessible income despite the absence of official regulation. This practice develops under precarious conditions, generating unsanitary environments, health risks, and unfair competition for formal traders. Participants, often young and with low levels of education, perceive these activities as necessary for economic survival, despite being aware of the social and health risks involved. The study shows that economic motivations outweigh moral considerations, explaining the persistence of the pirate market. Identified risks include diseases, accidents, traffic congestion, and impacts on local development. The perception of its effect on social well-being is ambivalent, combining economic benefits with negative consequences. The analysis reveals that regulation and supervision by authorities are essential to limit negative effects. Gradually integrating these actors into the formal economy could reduce risks while maintaining their livelihoods. Awareness-raising and control measures are necessary to secure this activity. This research sheds light on local socio-economic dynamics and provides insights for appropriate public policies. It highlights the importance of reconciling economic survival, public health, and sustainable urban development.
Keywords: Informal Economy, Pirate Market, Urban Livelihoods, Public Health Risks, Sustainable Urban Development
How to Cite?: Mushibwe Kapansa Lilianne, Kisimba Kya Ngoy Alexandrine, "Dynamics of the Pirate Market in Lubumbashi: Analysis of Causes and Consequences", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 441-445, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26402022230, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26402022230