Street Vending and Its Contribution to National Development

Abstract

Street vending plays a vital role in addressing unemployment and promoting inclusive growth. It reflects grassroots entrepreneurship and urban resilience in the informal economy. This paper aims to reposition street vending as a legitimate contributor to national development. Using a conceptual approach, the study draws on literature from economics, urban studies, and development theory. It relies on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and institutional archives. A thematic literature review guides the analysis, focusing on informal entrepreneurship, urban governance, and inclusive growth. Findings show that street vending supports local commerce, fosters entrepreneurship, and sustains livelihoods. Vendors remain resilient despite regulatory barriers and limited formal support. They adapt through mobile operations and informal networks. The study concludes that street vending contributes meaningfully to inclusive growth. It calls for policy reforms that recognize and support informal trade. Governments should invest in infrastructure, financial services, and participatory governance. Recognizing street vending in development agendas can help address structural challenges and promote equitable, resilient economies.