The African Development Bank has released the results of a pioneering study mapping women entrepreneurs’ associations in sixteen African countries, uncovering significant capacity gaps that limit their economic influence. The study, launched on 6 August in Nouakchott, found that although nearly one in four African women is an entrepreneur, 87 percent of associations lack financial management skills, and only 29 percent have partnerships with financial institutions. In Mauritania, 83 percent of these associations depend mainly on membership fees, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable funding mechanisms.
The report was unveiled during a workshop that brought together women entrepreneurs’ associations, civil society, public institutions, financial institutions, and development partners. Participants reviewed the findings, identified priority needs, and discussed strategies to strengthen these associations. Zeneb Touré, Manager of the Bank’s Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, emphasized the role of women entrepreneurs in shaping Africa’s future and called for collaborative action to use the study as a roadmap for inclusive development.
The mapping also highlighted success stories, showcasing innovative approaches to capacity building and financing for women-led micro and small enterprises. Fatimetou Mint Sidi Mohamed O. Elvil, President of the Mauritanian Council of Women Entrepreneurs, noted that while associations are rich in potential, they require structured support to expand their impact.
The event marked the beginning of a national effort to replicate best practices and foster strategic partnerships. Lematt Mint Megueya, President of the Mauritanian Union of Women Entrepreneurs and Traders (UMAFEC), stressed that the study offers a detailed overview of institutional strengths and gaps, serving as a valuable tool for targeted interventions.
The symbolic handover of the report to Mauritanian association representatives signaled the start of a new phase of collaboration aimed at positioning women’s associations as key drivers of economic transformation. This initiative forms part of the Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program, which seeks to close the $42 billion financing gap for women entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2016, AFAWA has partnered with 185 financial institutions and directed over $1.2 billion to women-led businesses. It also aligns with the Bank’s 2021–2025 Gender Strategy, which aims to ensure equal access to resources, infrastructure, and opportunities for both women and men.
