New digital playbook targets $42 billion funding gap for African women

The publication moves beyond theory to provide actionable intelligence for founders in sectors ranging from agribusiness and renewable energy to tech and manufacturing. By detailing how these entrepreneurs attracted investors and secured loans, the playbook clarifies exactly what financial institutions expect during the evaluation process. It serves as a practical manual for refining operations and preparing firms for long-term expansion.

This resource addresses a critical economic void: the $42 billion financing gap currently facing women-led businesses on the continent. AFAWA coordinator Melissa Basque-Roux emphasized that enabling this capital access triggers a ripple effect, creating jobs and fostering broader economic transformation. Lionesses of Africa, which connects over 1.8 million women across 54 countries, curated these stories to ensure the advice remains grounded in the authentic hurdles of the African market. The guide is intended not only for business owners but also for policymakers and financial institutions seeking to better support the private sector’s growth.