Lawful Shadows: An Informal Sector Framework in Ethiopian Urban Settings,

The informal sector in urban Africa represents a significant economic component that often operates outside formal legal frameworks. No empirical data are utilised; instead, a conceptual analysis will be employed to explore legal implications for the urban informal economy in Ethiopia. The theoretical framework highlights the need for legal reforms to better accommodate and regulate the urban informal economy while protecting both formal and informal stakeholders. Policy recommendations suggest creating a regulatory framework that supports the growth of the urban informal sector without undermining formal economic structures, thereby fostering inclusive development in Ethiopian cities.