A study by the African Development Bank (AfDB) shas revealed a major capacity gap among women entrepreneurs’ associations in Africa, warning that most are ill-equipped to manage funds or secure sustainable financing.
The mapping exercise — the first of its kind, covering 16 African countries — found that while almost one in four African women is an entrepreneur, 87 per cent of associations lack financial management skills. Just 29 per cent have partnerships with financial institutions, and in Mauritania, 83 per cent depend almost entirely on membership fees.
“These figures confirm what we see in the field every day,” said Fatimetou Mint Sidi Mohamed O. Elvil, President of the Mauritanian Council of Women Entrepreneurs. “Our associations are full of potential, but without structured support, that potential is not fully realised.”
The findings were unveiled at a Nouakchott workshop that brought together women’s associations, civil society, government officials, financiers, and development partners to chart a roadmap for action.
Zeneb Touré, Manager of the AfDB’s Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, said the study could serve as a “blueprint for inclusive development” if stakeholders worked together to strengthen women-led organisations.
The initiative is part of the AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) programme, launched in 2016 to close a $42 billion gender financing gap. AFAWA has already partnered with 185 financial institutions, unlocking more than $1.2 billion for women-led businesses across the continent.
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