A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS ON MARKET ACCESS OF INFORMAL ENTERPRISES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (2006-2025)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine e-commerce platforms on market access for informal enterprises in developing countries from 2006 to 2025. The existing literature on e-commerce and informal economies is characterised by fragmentation and a lack of systematic, quantitative analysis that integrates these related fields. To address this gap, a bibliometric analysis was performed utilising data obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection (2006-2025). The findings reveal a steady growth in academic output, although contributions remain concentrated in a small number of countries. It also finds that most common themes are digital transformation, innovation and technology integration. The results indicate that e-commerce platforms are becoming increasingly recognised as ways for informal businesses to get access to markets. However, differences in digital infrastructure and academic representation show that growth and awareness are not always equal. The study recommends increased investment in digital infrastructure and the introduction of streamlined regulations by governments. Development partners and donors are encouraged to promote inclusive digital policies, while targeted capacity-building initiatives are necessary to empower informal enterprise owners and employees. Finally, the study calls for researchers in Africa, Latin America, and other developing countries to conduct context-specific empirical investigations to address research gaps identified in comparison with other findings from developed countries.