SADC Regional Convening on Women’s Financial Inclusion in the Digital Economy

There is increasing evidence that women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are an important vehicle for enhancing women's economic opportunities and agency, while also contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth. However, the growth rate of women-led MSMEs is significantly lower than that of MSMEs led by men. 

To address this status quo, access to appropriate financial services is key, and has consistently been identified as a barrier to the growth and sustainability of women-led MSMEs. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that there is a $42 billion funding gap for women-led businesses in often overlooked sectors and industries where these businesses are economically active in Africa. This significant gap highlights the need to better understand the determinants of access to finance for women in business and to analyze how to improve access to financing and investment for women-led MSMEs. 

Join us for a virtual dialogue on understanding and addressing financing needs for women-led MSMEs in the SADC region on Tuesday, September 20 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. SAST/7 - 10 a.m. UTC.