The urban informal economy in the Global South is normally associated with negative connotations, such as illegality and transience. As a result, many regulations at the national and local levels appear to focus on how to control or minimise the expansion of this sector. Largely missing from many of these interventions is a proper understanding of the socio-spatial context that creates and perpetuates this economy. This paper thus seeks to unpack the nuances associated with the urban informal economy. Based on a case study of Namibia, this study argues that, rather than being a nuisance in the urban landscape, the informal economy constitutes a localised form of privatism. This is evident in the entrepreneurial bent and creative ethos that define the activities of these traders. Moreover, the diversity of goods and services provided is noteworthy. There is also an indigenous element to the way business is conducted, as evident in the socio-spatial set-up of these operations. This economy emphasises sole proprietorships, partnerships and cooperatives. While formal workers’ rights are not necessarily enforced, they are informally present through familial and kinship ties. The informal economy constitutes a source of livelihood for many, thus reducing pressure on the government to provide jobs. Contrary to the argument that this endeavour constitutes old forms of work, it embodies the changing nature of work through innovation, self-organisation and social networking. This paper contributes to the existing literature by articulating an economic justice framework for protecting the rights of traders and workers in the urban informal economy.