Women account for an estimated 70 percent of African informal cross-border traders, particularly in food staples, textiles, and household goods. Yet women-owned businesses receive less than 10 percent of formal bank trade finance across sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting collateral requirements that exclude women from land and property ownership in many jurisdictions, shorter operating histories, and bank branch networks poorly located for women traders. This financing gap costs the continent an estimated $42 billion in unrealised female entrepreneurship annually.
Gender-Lens Programmes
The IFC's Banking on Women programme has provided gender-lens lending facilities to over 25 African commercial banks, totalling over $2.5 billion in committed capital. Standard Chartered's Women in Tech programme and Equity Bank's Fanikisha programme both specifically address women trader financing needs. The African Development Bank's Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) has mobilised $3 billion targeting women entrepreneurs across the continent. Women traders and business owners seeking gender-lens financing contacts and programme information can access resources on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.