In 2025, the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) led a major research project to assess the skill development needs of informal workers across Cambodia. This study stands out for its broad coverage and strong collaboration, reaching 1,132 respondents in ten provinces and involving six key partner organizations.
Key Collaborating Organizations
This project was a collaborative effort, made possible by the expertise and engagement of these 6 organizations:
- Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) (lead)
- University of Management and Economics (UME)
- Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University
- Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA)
- Coalition for Partnership in Democratic Development (CPDD)
- Phnom Penh International University (PPIU)
Key Findings
- Skills Gap: Over 61% of informal workers have never attended formal training, limiting their ability to adapt and grow.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Nearly half of the respondents run their businesses or help with family businesses, but most face declining incomes due to economic hardship and rising costs.
- Barriers: The most significant obstacles to skill development are a lack of time, high training costs, and uncertainty about which skills are most relevant.
- Digital & Financial Literacy: While most have smartphones, few use digital tools for business or financial management. Traditional savings methods are still the norm, and financial literacy remains low.
- Formalization: Many workers prefer informal work for its flexibility, but nearly half would consider formalizing if administrative and financial barriers were reduced.
Recommendations
The research team recommends:
- Expanding vocational training, especially in digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills.
- Making training flexible and affordable, including online and in-person options.
- Improving financial literacy to help workers manage and grow their businesses.
- Simplifying business registration to encourage more workers to formalize and access social protection.
- Providing targeted financial support, such as grants or low-interest loans, for training and business development.
Download the Research
Download the complete research as a PDF file below:
