Amukelani Mathebula
Abstract
This study makes a significant conceptual and empirical contribution to sustainable business management by advancing a comprehensive marketplace framework for informal food and sports ventures in emerging economies. It addresses a critical gap in understanding how these often-marginalised sectors can be effectively integrated to foster inclusive growth, socio-economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. Anchored in the principles of community engagement and digital innovation, the research draws upon the theoretical underpinnings of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and social capital theory. To achieve this, a rigorous Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was employed, involving a systematic search across multiple databases, strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the analysis of 250 selected manuscripts from an initial pool of thousands. The findings illuminate how digital platforms, integrated within participatory governance structures, act as catalysts for operational efficiency, expanded market access, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration. The proposed framework articulates key strategic components: stakeholder co-creation, context-sensitive policy support, inclusive financial mechanisms, and sustainable environmental practices. By aligning with Sustainable Development Goals, the study offers practical guidance for policymakers and entrepreneurs, reconceptualising informal marketplaces as dynamic ecosystems capable of driving systemic change, equity, and long-term sustainability in resource-constrained settings, thereby unlocking their latent potential.