The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) is preparing to launch the IEDF Marketplace, an online space that will allow informal traders, cooperatives, and small enterprises to connect, buy, and sell goods across borders.
The forum says the platform will serve as a hub for small and informal businesses, many of whom operate outside traditional financial systems and struggle to reach wider markets.
IEDF Global President David Venter said the Marketplace is designed to connect fragmented informal economies and make it easier for small players to find and support one another.
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“The idea is to replace isolation with connection and create opportunities for informal businesses to trade more effectively, both locally and internationally,” he said.
Across Africa, the informal sector makes up a large share of employment but continues to face limited access to markets, finance, and technology. The International Labor Organization estimates that over 60% of sub-Saharan Africa’s workforce operates informally, often without the tools to participate in the digital economy.
IEDF’s Global Director for Business Development, Chantal Maxim, said the platform also aims to support what the organisation calls a “circular economy,” where money and resources circulate within local communities rather than flowing out.
“The goal is to make sure small businesses benefit from local trade and that value stays within their communities,” she said.
Snaye Sotashe, the owner of Amaza Threads, a township-based clothing brand, said the marketplace could open valuable opportunities for small enterprises like hers.
“It’s a much-needed development for small businesses. Many of us struggle with limited reach, high marketing costs, and the difficulty of trading across borders,” Sotashe said.
“A digital platform designed for African SMEs can open new markets, build trust with customers, and make cross-border trade simpler and more accessible. It’s a practical step toward helping small enterprises grow and connect beyond their local areas.”
Sotashe, however, questioned how the IEDF Marketplace would set itself apart from established platforms.
“The question is how it will differ from Takealot and other existing marketplaces. What unique support will it offer small businesses, especially when it comes to cross-border trade and reaching wider markets?” he added.
According to Tiyiselani Milimo, who runs Shirely Chemical, a small cleaning products business including disinfectants, detergents, and industrial cleaning solutions in Soshanguve, visibility remains one of the biggest barriers for township entrepreneurs.
“We don’t always have access to proper advertising or e-commerce tools,” Milimo said. “If this platform can help us list our products and reach customers beyond our area, it could really help businesses like mine grow.”
Milimo said he is also hoping the platform will make it easier for small businesses to handle logistics and payments, which are often major hurdles for township traders.
“Even if you have the products and customers want them, arranging transport and receiving payments can be complicated. If this platform can simplify that process, it would really help small businesses grow,” he added.
