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Drawing on insights from dualistic economic theory, the dynamics of informal markets, and institutional roles in economic growth, the authors emphasize the need for nuanced and evidence-based policy approaches. Through the application of key theoretical frameworks-including the Lewis Model, segmented labour market theory, and new institutional economics-the book evaluates the sector's role in shaping economic development indicators across BRICS+ nations and the Global South. In particular, the volume provides policy frameworks to support the formalization and empowerment of informal enterprises, contributing to inclusive growth and resilient economic systems. It also analyses and offers solutions on how the informal sector can best be engaged and explains that in order to create policies that effectively harness the informal business sector's potential for economic development, a deeper understanding of it is imperative. Over the course of the book, ideas from the fields of dualistic economies, the dynamics of the informal sector, and the function of institutions in economic growth are incorporated.
Targeted at scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of entrepreneurship, development economics, and informal enterprise, the book offers both academic insights and practical policy recommendations. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the structural, cultural, and institutional forces influencing the informal sector in emerging economies.
List of contents
List of figuresList of TablesList of ContributorsPrefaceBrian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi, Fulufhelo Netswera, Ayanda Sibiya, Elton Fernandes, Sergei Smirnov, Shen Yi
IntroductionBrian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi, Fulufhelo Netswera, Ayanda Sibiya, Elton Fernandes, Sergei Smirnov, Shen Yi
Summary of the ChaptersPart I - Conceptual, Theoretical and Policy FoundationsThe Role and Impact of Informal Traders in the Economic Development of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
Mpanza Mpanza and Mahosi Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa2. Contested meanings of informality: Rethinking Industrial Policy and empowerment strategies for the informal sector in South Africa
Lufefe Benbella Sopazi3. A review of the current spatial planning policies in rural South Africa and the BRICS global south for ensuring sustainable economic development: the case of the informal sector at Hopewell Settlement under Richmond Municipality, KZN
Tobela Twala4. The informal sector of the Brazilian economy: Characterization and causality analysis
Clemente Leonel, Clemente Artur Kendi, Clemente Ademir, Claudio MarceloPart II - Country and Regional Perspectives on Informality5. Does informality slow down the attainment of sustainable development? New empirical evidence from Sub-Saharan African countries
Emmanuel Umoru Haruna6. Success and failure of SMEs in China and South Africa: A systematic review
Rankhumise Edward Malatse and Tladi Portia Mahwibi7. Informality in Brazil: Challenges and opportunities emerging from a heterogenous space
Dias Rafael8. Informal business in Russia: present, challenges, and potential
Smirnov Sergei9. Is the Virtual Gig Economy a Pathway to Formalization or a Reinforcement of Informality? Exploring the Informal Sector in India
Suri Ankit and Sharma Yogesh10. Resilience of Disabled Entrepreneurs in Ghana's Informal Sector
Boafo Christopher, Irene Okanta, Utz DornbergerPart III - Technology, Innovation and Informal Economy Transformation11. Navigating Regulatory Challenges within Paratransit Operations in Africa: Balancing Safety and Socio-economic Equity
Fobosi Siyabulela, Malandela Gcina and Toshe-Mlambo Yonela12. Frugal innovation as a tool for competitive advantage in the informal business sector: A dynamic capabilities perspective
Sibiya Ayanda and Langa Phumuza13. The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Innovation Systems in South Africa's Informal Business Sector Digital Landscape
Qaba Pikolomzi
About the author
Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi is a lecturer who specializes in Entrepreneurship and currently serving as the section head for Entrepreneurship in the Department of Applied Management, at the University of South Africa, South Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from North-West University, USA and an MTech in Entrepreneurship from Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. His research focus area is entrepreneurship, specifically the informal sector.
Fulufhelo (Fulu) Netswera is a Full Professor and the Executive Dean Faculty of Management Sciences at Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa. He is tasked to develop the DUT Business School. Historically he was the Director of the North-West University Business School, USA; Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, USA; Director South African BRICS Think Tank at the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, India; Director of the Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership at the University of Limpopo, South Africa; and Research Management Director at University of South Africa, South Africa.
is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Business Management at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa with over 15 years of experience in the educational arena.
is a Full Professor of the Production Engineering and Transport Engineering Programs at the Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Postgraduate Studies and Engineering Research a unit of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
is an Associate Professor of the Department of Business Economics, Faculty of Economics, Saint Petersburg State University, Russia. He received his Ph.D. from the same university in 2005.
is a Professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, China. He also serves as Director of the Center for BRICS Studies and International Research Institute of Global Cyberspace Governance.
