Registries & Emerging Markets
Why 70% of emerging countries need to modernize their registries
Outdated or missing registries hold back growth, tax revenues, and financial inclusion. Modernization is key to sovereignty.
Business registries are the foundation of any modern economy. Yet, according to the World Bank, 70% of emerging countries still lack reliable or modernized registries. This structural gap has major implications for fiscal revenues, economic formalization, and access to financing.
Why registries matter
Tax revenues: Without proper registration, billions are lost every year to informality.
Financing: Lenders, investors, and insurers cannot extend credit without verified business data.
Governance: Governments lack visibility on economic activity, undermining planning and policy.
The cost of informality
In Sub-Saharan Africa, informality represents up to 60–70% of GDP. For example, in Guinea Conakry, most economic activity takes place in unregistered roadside businesses. Without modernization, states are unable to capture this value.
The digital opportunity
New technologies – from satellite imagery to AI-based deduplication – now allow governments to build cost-efficient, scalable registries. Instead of relying on outdated paper systems or fragmented local records, emerging countries can leapfrog directly into interoperable digital platforms.
Case for action
Donors and development banks (World Bank, EU, USAID) are increasingly funding registry modernization as part of broader state capacity building. Beyond compliance, registries are becoming an instrument of sovereignty – enabling governments to better negotiate with lenders, regulate markets, and protect national interests.
Modernizing registries is not just a technical reform. It is a strategic imperative for sovereignty, growth, and resilience in emerging markets.
Business registries are the foundation of any modern economy. Yet, according to the World Bank, 70% of emerging countries still lack reliable or modernized registries. This structural gap has major implications for fiscal revenues, economic formalization, and access to financing.
Why registries matter
Tax revenues: Without proper registration, billions are lost every year to informality.
Financing: Lenders, investors, and insurers cannot extend credit without verified business data.
Governance: Governments lack visibility on economic activity, undermining planning and policy.
The cost of informality
In Sub-Saharan Africa, informality represents up to 60–70% of GDP. For example, in Guinea Conakry, most economic activity takes place in unregistered roadside businesses. Without modernization, states are unable to capture this value.
The digital opportunity
New technologies – from satellite imagery to AI-based deduplication – now allow governments to build cost-efficient, scalable registries. Instead of relying on outdated paper systems or fragmented local records, emerging countries can leapfrog directly into interoperable digital platforms.
Case for action
Donors and development banks (World Bank, EU, USAID) are increasingly funding registry modernization as part of broader state capacity building. Beyond compliance, registries are becoming an instrument of sovereignty – enabling governments to better negotiate with lenders, regulate markets, and protect national interests.
Modernizing registries is not just a technical reform. It is a strategic imperative for sovereignty, growth, and resilience in emerging markets.
