List of figures List of Tables List of Contributors Preface Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi, Fulufhelo Netswera, Ayanda Sibiya, Elton Fernandes, Sergei Smirnov, Shen Yi Introduction Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa Mahosi, Fulufhelo Netswera, Ayanda Sibiya, Elton Fernandes, Sergei Smirnov, Shen Yi Summary of the Chapters Part I - Conceptual, Theoretical and Policy Foundations The Role and Impact of Informal Traders in the Economic Development of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa Mpanza Mpanza and Mahosi Brian Ngwako Mokgatetswa 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, 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 Rankhumise Edward Malatse and Tladi Portia Mahwibi 7. Informality in Brazil: Challenges and opportunities emerging from a heterogenous space Dias Rafael 8. Informal business in Russia: present, challenges, and potential Smirnov Sergei 9.

Is the Virtual Gig Economy a Pathway to Formalization or a Reinforcement of Informality? Exploring the Informal Sector in India Suri Ankit and Sharma Yogesh 10. Resilience of Disabled Entrepreneurs in Ghana's Informal Sector Boafo Christopher, Irene Okanta, 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 Fobosi Siyabulela, Malandela Gcina and Toshe-Mlambo Yonela 12. Frugal innovation as a tool for competitive advantage in the informal business sector: A dynamic capabilities perspective Sibiya Ayanda and Langa Phumuza 13. The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Innovation Systems in South Africa's Informal Business Sector Digital Landscape Qaba Pikolomzi.