Ayanda Sibiya, David Pooe
Abstract
Township entrepreneurship across South Africa, Russia and India has emerged as an important aspect of local economic development, social mobility, and innovation. In marginalised communities such as South Africa’s townships, Brazil’s favelas, and India’s bastis, entrepreneurs are shaping development from the ground up, often operating outside formal economic structures. This study presents a comparative review of township entrepreneurship ecosystems in these three settings, focusing on the conditions that support or hinder entrepreneurial activity. Based on literature published between 2020 and 2025, the analysis identifies shared trends such as resilience, adaptation to digital tools, and reliance on community networks, while also acknowledging differences rooted in historical legacies, governance frameworks, and inequalities. Despite facing challenges such as poor infrastructure and limited institutional backing, township entrepreneurs continue to show resourcefulness and contribute meaningfully to their local economies. The paper concludes by outlining practical approaches and policy recommendations for supporting township-based enterprises, calling for tailored strategies that recognise and strengthen these often-neglected entrepreneurial ecosystems.