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    • Opinion
    • Predictions for development

    Opinion: African businesswomen are transforming African economies

    Predictions for African women in business for 2024: There will be more money available, greater political will, and better training opportunities for women to rise to senior roles.

    By Eveline Tall // 04 December 2023

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    Women make up 50% of the population in Africa, but their skills and expertise are nowhere near adequately represented in the world of business — and that needs to change, for the benefit of everyone in the African continent.

    According to the United Nations, addressing gender inequalities in Africa could generate an additional $95 billion annually. Fortunately, we are seeing positive change, and here are some particular areas where I expect to see improvements in 2024.

    There is currently a $42 billion financing gap for women in business in Africa. Lending to women is seen as riskier, so interest rates are higher and women traditionally have less collateral. However, more funding for female entrepreneurs and business owners is becoming available.

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    Read more:

    ► Opinion: More women in power will drive sustainable development in Africa

    ► Opinion: Moving past colonial legacies is critical for gender equality

    ► Opinion: Feminist foreign policy activism can harm African women

    • Social/Inclusive Development
    • Banking & Finance
    • Economic Development
    • Institutional Development
    Printing articles to share with others is a breach of our terms and conditions and copyright policy. Please use the sharing options on the left side of the article. Devex Pro members may share up to 10 articles per month using the Pro share tool ( ).
    The views in this opinion piece do not necessarily reflect Devex's editorial views.

    About the author

    • Eveline Tall

      Eveline Tall

      Eveline Tall is the chairperson at E and Partners and former deputy CEO/COO at Ecobank Transnational Inc. She is a distinguished leader in the financial industry, offering insights into the current state of gender investment disparities and the potential for women to drive Africa's economic growth.

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