Women across the world sustain economies and innovation through entrepreneurship. 1 More than 250 million women are entrepreneurs and over 150 million are leading established businesses. The highest rates of women entrepreneurship are found in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, where incomes are the lowest. The lowest rates are in Europe and the Middle East.2 These women entrepreneurs are likely to be between 25-44 years of age and of moderate confidence compared to men, yet undeterred by fear of failure.3
Across the African continent, women account for 58 per cent of entrepreneurs and add 33 per cent to the continent's gross national product. Botswana, South Africa, and Ghana are home to the highest numbers of women entrepreneurs in Africa and across the world. According to the World Economic Forum, women-led start-ups in Africa are just as, or more, profitable than start-ups led by men. Moreover, these start-ups drive women's and girls’ empowerment and make considerable positive social impact across Africa. Despite these contributions, women entrepreneurs in Africa continue to earn less than men doing similar work. Black women across Africa also suffer from a $42 billion funding gap in terms of support for entrepreneurs, compared to men.
