List of Figures List of Tables List of Contributors Preface Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi, Fulufhelo Godfrey Netswera, Ayanda Sibiya, Elton Fernandes, Sergei Smirnov, and Shen Yi Introduction Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi, Fulufhelo Godfrey Netswera, Ayanda Sibiya, Elton Fernandes, Sergei Smirnov, and Shen Yi Summary of the Chapters Part I Conceptual, Theoretical, and Policy Foundations 1 The Role and Impact of Informal Traders in the Economic Development of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa Zuziwe Mpanza and Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi 2 Contested Meanings of Informality: Rethinking Industrial Policy and Empowerment Strategies for the Informal Sector in South Africa Lufefe Benbella Sopazi 3 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 Twala 4 The Informal Sector of the Brazilian Economy: Characterization and Causality Analysis Clemente Leonel, Clemente Artur Kendi, Clemente Ademir, and Claudio Marcelo Part II Country and Regional Perspectives on Informality 5 Does Informality Slow Down the Attainment of Sustainable Development? New Empirical Evidence From Sub-Saharan African Countries Emmanuel Umoru Haruna 6 Success and Failure of SMEs in China and South Africa: A Systematic Review Edward Malatse Rankhumise and Portia Mahwibi Tladi 7 Informality in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities Emerging From a Heterogeneous Space Dias Rafael 8 Informal Business in Russia: Present, Challenges, and Potential Sergei Smirnov, Trapeznikova Irina, Ilina Janna, and Evnevich Maria 9 Is the Virtual Gig Economy a Pathway to Formalization or a Reinforcement of Informality? Exploring the Informal Sector in India Ankit Suri and Yogesh Sharma 10 Resilience of Disabled Entrepreneurs in Ghana's Informal Sector Christopher Boafo, Irene Okanta, and Utz Dornberger Part III Technology, Innovation, and Informal Economy Transformation 11 Navigating Regulatory Challenges Within Paratransit Operations in Africa: Balancing Safety and Socio-economic Equity Siyabulela Fobosi, Gcina Malandela, and Yonela Toshe-Mlambo 12 Frugal Innovation as a Tool for Competitive Advantage in the Informal Business Sector: A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective Ayanda Sibiya and Phumuza Langa 13 The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Innovation Systems in South Africa's Informal Business Sector Digital Landscape Pikolomzi Qaba Index.