Innovation in informal settings: empowering business owners and changing regulations

In South Africa's major cities, informal settlements are home to one in five residents. And, in 2021, the informal sector accounted for nearly one in three jobs, despite regulatory and other challenges. At a recent HSRC forum on informal sector innovation held in Philippi, Cape Town, speakers emphasised the need to recognise informality as a fundamental feature of our cities. At an accompanying workshop, HSRC researchers worked with informal sector stakeholders to refine a new evidence-based toolkit that aims to assist informal businesses in becoming sustainable. At a recent forum on informal sector innovation, which took place in Philippi Village, Cape Town, informal business owners from Philippi and its surrounds shared their experiences and the challenges they have been facing.