Female Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33423/jsis.v20i1.7542Keywords:
strategic innovation, economic development, female entrepreneurship education, female entrepreneurship, non-government programs, sub-Saharan Africa, sustainable development goals, systematic literature review, sociocultural barriersAbstract
This systematic literature review involving 34 articles investigates the impact of sociocultural, educational, economic, and policy-related factors on women's entrepreneurial ventures in Sub-Saharan Africa. It evaluates the effectiveness of current support mechanisms for female entrepreneurs. It highlights persistent issues, including limited access to finance, educational resources, and business networks, while noting emerging opportunities and successful initiatives. Despite progress, targeted policies and further research are necessary to address existing gaps and leverage new opportunities. This work offers multiple contributions, including an explanatory model, practical and policy recommendations, and an agenda for future research.
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