By Manuella Eken
At the break of dawn, Fatou rises quietly, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of the early morning light. She moves with purpose, tying a colorful headscarf around her hair and wrapping herself in a vibrant, patterned pagne. In the dimness of her small room, she gathers her baskets filled with fresh produce—fruits, vegetables, and herbs harvested just the day before. She steps out into the cool, crisp air with quiet strength, walking briskly along the narrow, dusty paths toward Dakar. As she reaches the bustling market of Sandaga, the first rays of sunlight cast a golden hue over the lively scene, where vendors and buyers bargain, chatter, and exchange greetings, signaling the start of another long, hopeful day.
On the other side of the globe, in the early morning chill of Montréal, Samara wakes up to the hum of the city outside her window. She quickly brews a cup of coffee, warming her hands around the mug as she mentally prepares for the busy day ahead. After a quick breakfast, she wraps her hair in a bright, patterned headscarf—a nod to her roots—and layers on a warm coat to brave the cold. She steps out, making her way through the quiet streets, where her small hair and beauty shop awaits. As she unlocks the door and flicks on the lights, the cozy space comes to life with colorful shelves lined with hair products, oils, and cosmetics. With a deep breath, she begins to prepare for her first clients, eager to bring a touch of home and beauty to her diverse community.
These two women represent the many African women who have been working hard for years to provide and care for their families. They are the backbone of their communities, providing financial stability through their small businesses. African women entrepreneurs engage in diverse businesses that often reflect local market demands, cultural practices, available resources, and individual creativity. African women are leading the world in entrepreneurship, with approximately 24% starting their own businesses. They are more likely to kick off new ventures than women in any other region. Despite this, why are African women entrepreneurs
disproportionately unable to build long-lasting wealth and attract investment?
THE REALITIES OF AFRICAN BUSINESS WOMEN
African women entrepreneurs run all kinds of businesses across different sectors. Their ventures often reflect what the local market needs, cultural traditions, the resources they have on hand, and their own creativity. Here are some common types of businesses they usually start:
Many African women run small-scale farms, process agricultural products, or manage livestock and poultry. They cater to local market demands while incorporating cultural traditions and available resources. They often sell their goods in local markets or supply them to larger distributors. This provides a steady income, adds value to raw produce, and opens new market opportunities.
You’ll also find many women running small shops, boutiques, and market stalls that are vital to their communities. They sell everything from food and clothing to household items and handmade crafts. Some source these products locally, while others import them.
Sewing, tailoring, and designing clothes is another common enterprise. Many women craft jewelry, bags, and accessories using materials like beads, leather, and recycled items, blending cultural heritage with modern design. Textile production, including batik, kente, and other locally made fabrics, is also popular.
Starting small food businesses is common, whether it’s catering services, restaurants, or street food stalls. These businesses offer traditional dishes, snacks, and drinks to locals and often cater to special events.
Hair salons and beauty parlors are a go-to choice for many women. They offer hairstyling, braiding, manicures, pedicures, and skincare treatments. Some even create and sell natural beauty products like shea butter, soaps, oils, and lotions using locally sourced ingredients.
In the tourism sector, some women work as tour guides, sell crafts, or organize cultural experiences that showcase local traditions, crafts, and food.
There’s also a growing need for affordable childcare services, so some women start daycare centers to provide safe, reliable care while their parents work.
Finally, many women are using digital platforms to sell their products—whether it’s crafts, fashion items, or food. E-commerce allows them to reach customers far beyond their local communities.
CHALLENGES THAT AFRICAN WOMEN FACE
Despite their determination and creativity, African women entrepreneurs face several barriers that hinder their success. Here are some common challenges that many African women entrepreneurs face:
Access to finance: Getting funding is one of the biggest hurdles. Many women don’t have collateral or a credit history, so securing loans from traditional banks can be tough. They often turn to informal savings groups or microfinance institutions, but these usually only provide small amounts of capital.
Limited access to education and training: Many women don’t have access to formal education or business training. This can make it harder to grow their businesses, manage finances, or navigate complex markets.
Societal and cultural barriers: Gender norms can limit how much women can engage in business. In some cultures, women might need permission from male relatives to start or run a business. On top of that, balancing work with domestic responsibilities can be a real struggle.
Lack of networks and mentorship: Women often have less access to business networks and mentorship programs, which are crucial for gaining market insights, finding partners, and exploring new opportunities.
Regulatory and policy hurdles: In many countries, bureaucracy and regulatory obstacles make starting and running a business difficult. Women may also face gender discrimination when dealing with legal and governmental institutions.
Market access and infrastructure: Limited market access, poor infrastructure, and logistical challenges can make it tough for women’s businesses to grow, especially in rural areas.
SUPPORTING AFRICAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
Supporting African women entrepreneurs means tackling the many challenges they face, from getting access to finance to overcoming social and cultural barriers. Here are some key strategies and initiatives that can help empower and support these women on their entrepreneurial journey:
Governments, NGOs, and international organizations can make a big difference by setting up grant programs and funding initiatives just for women-led businesses.
This kind of funding helps women start and grow their businesses without the stress of high-interest loans.
Providing targeted training programs is another crucial step in supporting African women entrepreneurs. These programs should focus on essential business skills such as financial management, marketing, sales, and strategic planning. Tailoring them to specific sectors will equip women with the tools they need to effectively manage and grow their businesses.
Additionally, connecting these entrepreneurs to larger markets, including export opportunities, can be transformative. Partnerships with retailers, access to online
marketplaces and participation in trade fairs that showcase products made by women can significantly expand their reach and boost their growth potential.
Improving local market infrastructure is also important. Things like market spaces and storage facilities can provide safe, reliable places for women to sell their goods.
Building and supporting women-focused business networks and associations can offer much-needed platforms for networking, collaboration, and sharing knowledge. These networks can provide mentorship, peer support, and opportunities for partnerships.
It’s crucial to push for policies that promote gender equality in business. This includes simplifying the business registration process, offering tax breaks for women-led businesses, and ensuring equal property rights.
Awareness campaigns can help too. Promote the value of women entrepreneurs and challenge traditional gender norms that may limit women’s involvement in business.
Improving access to affordable technology and the internet, especially in rural areas, is another must. Giving women the tools to leverage technology can open up new business opportunities.
Investing in transportation infrastructure can make it easier to move goods to and from markets, helping women entrepreneurs reach more customers.
Providing healthcare services and support programs tailored to women’s needs allows them to stay healthy while running their businesses.
Encouraging corporations to partner with women-led businesses through supplier diversity programs can provide women entrepreneurs with new opportunities.
Lastly, make it easier for women-led businesses to access global markets through trade agreements and export promotion programs designed with them in mind.
Discussing the challenges African women entrepreneurs face is important, but what really matters is taking action—challenging the status quo and tearing down the barriers that keep African women from building wealth through their businesses. As a society, we need to lift up African women in business and make sure they stay thriving, not just for their own success but for the good of our economy and communities as a whole. Let’s empower them to continue leveling up, because when African women succeed in business, we all benefit.
Manuella Eken
Editor
Born in Cameroon and having lived in various cities including Brussels, London, and New York, Manuella recently settled in Canada. Holding a master's degree in finance and business management, she currently works in project management. Passionate about literature, she has also founded a community of readers to share their diverse interests.
As the founder of the "WhereTheReadersMeet"; Book Club, she has dedicated her life to creating spaces where readers can come together to explore the infinite worlds of literature. Manuella is driven by the desire to share her passion for reading and to foster enriching discussions withinher community of readers.
