AfDB Maps Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations to Boost Economic Impact Across Africa
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has unveiled the results of a landmark study mapping women entrepreneurs’ associations in sixteen African countries, highlighting significant capacity gaps that limit their contribution to economic growth.
The study, launched on 6 August in Nouakchott, reveals that while nearly one in four African women is an entrepreneur, 87% of women’s associations lack adequate financial management capacity. Only 29% have partnerships with financial institutions, and in Mauritania, 83% rely mainly on membership fees, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable financing mechanisms.
The findings were presented during a workshop bringing together women entrepreneurs’ associations, civil society, public institutions, financial institutions, and development partners to assess needs, share experiences, and design action plans.
Zeneb Touré, Manager of the AfDB’s Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, said: “This workshop is a genuine space for exchange, co-creation, and forward-looking engagement. We are here to combine our expertise and chart the next steps to support women entrepreneurs’ associations across our continent, and in Mauritania in particular.”
Touré emphasised that Africa’s future is being shaped by its women entrepreneurs and that the study can serve as a blueprint for inclusive development if stakeholders work together.
The mapping exercise also highlighted success stories, showcasing innovative capacity-building approaches and financing models for women-led micro and small enterprises.
“These figures confirm our daily experience in the field. Our associations are brimming with potential, but they need structured support to multiply their impact,” said Fatimetou Mint Sidi Mohamed O. Elvil, President of the Mauritanian Council of Women Entrepreneurs.
The event marked the beginning of a national collaborative effort to replicate best practices and forge strategic partnerships. Lematt Mint Megueya, President of the Mauritanian Union of Women Entrepreneurs and Traders (UMAFEC), called the study “a comprehensive overview” of institutional capacities and specific needs.
The initiative supports the AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) programme, launched in 2016 to close the $42 billion financing gap faced by women entrepreneurs. AFAWA has already partnered with 185 financial institutions, channeling more than $1.2 billion to women-led businesses.
Through its 2021–2025 Gender Strategy, the AfDB aims to transform key sectors into inclusive fields of opportunity, ensuring women and men have equal access to resources, infrastructure, and services necessary to thrive.
