AfDB Maps Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations in 16 African Countries.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has released the results of a pioneering study mapping women entrepreneurs’ associations across sixteen African countries, uncovering critical gaps that limit their economic impact despite the sector’s vast potential.

Launched on August 6 in Nouakchott, Mauritania, the study found that nearly one in four African women is an entrepreneur, yet 87% of women’s associations lack financial management capacity. Only 29% have partnerships with financial institutions, and in Mauritania, 83% rely primarily on membership fees — a sign of the pressing need for sustainable financing models.

The findings were presented during a workshop that brought together association leaders, financial institutions, development partners, and capacity-building experts to discuss solutions, share success stories, and develop action plans for strengthening women’s entrepreneurial networks.

“This workshop is a genuine space for exchange, co-creation, and forward-looking engagement,” said Zeneb Touré, Manager of AfDB’s Civil Society and Community Engagement Division. “Africa’s future is being shaped by its women entrepreneurs. This study can be a blueprint for inclusive development if we work together.”

Success stories identified in the mapping exercise include innovative approaches to capacity building and financing for women-led micro and small enterprises. Leaders from Mauritania’s women’s business community welcomed the report as a vital resource for driving economic transformation through strategic partnerships and replication of best practices.

The initiative is part of AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program, which aims to close the $42 billion financing gap for women entrepreneurs. Since 2016, AFAWA has partnered with 185 financial institutions, channeling over $1.2 billion into women-led businesses across the continent.

Through its 2021–2025 Gender Strategy, the Bank is committed to ensuring women and men have equal access to resources, infrastructure, and services needed to thrive, turning potential into measurable economic impact.