The African Development Bank Group’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) and Lionesses of Africa have launched a new digital playbook highlighting how women entrepreneurs across Africa are securing finance, expanding businesses, and creating economic opportunities.
Titled “Financing Business Growth,” the publication features the experiences of 25 women entrepreneurs from 17 African countries who have built successful enterprises across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, fashion, finance, retail, and water management.
The playbook shares real-world lessons from women business leaders on overcoming financing challenges, attracting investment, improving operations, and building sustainable companies. Through interviews and case studies, it provides practical guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to understand investor expectations and strengthen their businesses for long-term growth.
Designed as a resource for entrepreneurs, financial institutions, policymakers, and business support organizations, the publication highlights how improved access to finance can help women-led enterprises grow and contribute to job creation and economic development.
The initiative reflects AFAWA’s broader mission to address Africa’s estimated $42 billion financing gap for women entrepreneurs. Through funding support, technical assistance, and policy engagement, AFAWA works to improve financial access and create stronger ecosystems for women-owned businesses.
Lionesses of Africa, which supports more than 1.8 million women entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora, contributed insights and experiences to ensure the playbook reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by women business owners.
The publication emphasizes that targeted financial support, strong business foundations, and supportive networks can help women entrepreneurs overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities. By sharing successful financing journeys, the playbook aims to inspire more women founders to access capital, expand their enterprises, and contribute to inclusive economic growth across Africa.
The collaboration between AFAWA and Lionesses of Africa demonstrates the growing importance of supporting women-led businesses as a pathway to job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic transformation.
