The African Development Bank has unveiled the findings of a first-of-its-kind study mapping women entrepreneurs’ associations across sixteen African countries, revealing significant capacity gaps that hinder their economic impact.

Launched on 6 August in Nouakchott, the study shows that while nearly one in four African women is an entrepreneur, 87 percent of women’s associations lack financial management capacity. Only 29 percent have partnerships with financial institutions, and in Mauritania, 83 percent rely primarily on membership fees, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable financing solutions.

The report was presented during a workshop that brought together women entrepreneurs’ associations, civil society, public institutions, financial institutions, and development partners to review the findings, identify priority needs, and outline action plans.

“This workshop is a genuine space for exchange, co-creation, and forward-looking engagement. We are here to combine our expertise and chart the next steps to support women entrepreneurs’ associations across our continent, and in Mauritania in particular,” said Zeneb Touré, Manager of the Civil Society and Community Engagement Division at the African Development Bank.