An evaluation of the sustainability of inclusive business models for street vendors in Ghana: a case study of the 2SCALE-Yedent partnership

This research paper investigates the design and sustainability of the 2SCALE-Yedent Inclusive Business Model (IBM) in Ghana, with a focus on street vendor inclusion and sustainability in an inclusive value chain for soy-based agricultural products. Deploying the IBM framework which underlines empowerment, equitable access and distribution of benefits for marginalised actors, this study explores the perspectives and experiences of street vendors in accessing business support services, improved access to markets and capacity building support during project implementation, but encountered significant sustainability issues post-project. The findings show that while the partnership initially increased market linkages and enhanced capacities, critical gaps in the value chain including inadequate financial risk mitigation strategy, limited access to business resources and decision-making limitations, created vulnerabilities upon termination of 2SCALE support. Vendors resorted to informal net-works and multiple income sources to complement their regular incomes. This underscores the importance of informal support mechanisms that were not originally part of the IBM framework. This paper recommends for IBMs in the future to adopt decentralised value chains and informal social networks to enhance their resilience and sustainability beyond lifespans of development interventions.