There exists a substantial and well-developed literature on the economic theory of credit markets and saving decisions in economies characterized by incomplete markets and imperfect information. This theory is directly relevant to informal financial transactions in Africa. In addition, there is a substantial body of empirical research which provides descriptions of the institutional arrangements through which financial transactions are effected in Africa, and which permits some (limited) quantification of the relative importance of various institutional arrangements. Lacking, however, from most of the literature on informal finance in Africa is an integration of economic theory with empirical observation. This paper does not rectify that inadequacy. However, we provide: (1) a brief review of both the relevant theoretical and empirical literature; (2) an account of the usefulness of the theoretical
literature for interpreting the empirical research on informal finance in Africa; (3) brief notes
on some of the implications of the economics of incomplete information and imperfect
contract enforcement for financial policy in Africa; and (4) suggestions for a research
program which integrates detailed empirical observation with relevant theory.