A recent study titled “Breaking down barriers for women digital entrepreneurs: Insights from Africa” explores the systemic obstacles hindering women-led businesses in the digital economy and calls for targeted actions to address these challenges. The research offers new perspectives on structural and gender-based biases faced by female digital entrepreneurs in developing regions. It is based on the experiences of nearly 100 members of the global “eTrade for Women” community, with a special focus on sub-Saharan Africa. The publication is a collaboration between UNCTAD, ESCP Business School, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science, released ahead of the 16th UNCTAD Conference aimed at fostering inclusive digital economies.
The 94 women entrepreneurs surveyed are part of the UNCTAD-led eTrade for Women initiative, funded by countries including Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. These entrepreneurs operate mainly in the Global South, managing registered companies in sectors like e-commerce, fintech, agri-tech, and health-tech. While many of these businesses are microenterprises with fewer than 10 employees, they generate an average annual turnover of $140,000. Importantly, 62% predominantly employ women and develop digital solutions that benefit underserved communities and society at large, such as digital payment systems and online health services. Advocates like Hilda Moraa emphasize the passion and purpose driving their work beyond personal gain, aiming for broader social impact.
Despite progress, the full potential of women-led digital businesses remains untapped due to significant barriers. The study reveals that almost 70% of these women face difficulties in securing financing, primarily because of insufficient collateral. Female-only founding teams received just 2.3% of global venture capital funding in 2024, a stark disparity. Additionally, half the respondents find cross-border trade challenging, compounded by the unpaid care responsibilities many women shoulder alongside running their businesses. These barriers represent missed opportunities for economic growth, underscoring the urgent need for change, according to UNCTAD experts.
To promote more inclusive digital economies, the report recommends targeted interventions, including improved access to finance, export readiness programs, inclusive procurement policies, and simplified regulatory compliance. It also highlights the importance of digital and business skills training and fostering an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. Advocates like Vèna Arielle Ahouansou stress that access to finance alone is insufficient without ecosystems that genuinely trust and invest in women-led businesses.
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