The African Development Bank has launched a project to map 160 women entrepreneurs’ associations in 16 African countries. The initiative aims to enhance their visibility, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve access to financing.
Supported by the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa and the Gender Equality Trust Fund, the project aligns with the Bank’s commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusive economic growth. It was officially launched on June 26 in Abidjan, with participation from various women entrepreneurs’ organizations, both in person and virtually.
The initiative seeks to promote collaboration and networking among women’s business associations, recognizing their role in driving reforms and innovation in female entrepreneurship. Financial access remains a major challenge for women-led businesses in Africa, with many struggling to secure funding due to a lack of collateral and high microfinance interest rates. The Bank aims to bridge this gap through targeted financial support and capacity-building efforts.
By advancing this initiative, the Bank reinforces its commitment to gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development for African women entrepreneurs.
