Top 10 African Countries Projected to Have the Highest Female Entrepreneurship Rates in 2025

In Summary

• Based on estimates of female entrepreneurship projected rates in 2025, this article ranks African countries, highlighting important countries like South Africa, Uganda, and Botswana. 
• Across Africa, sectors like agribusiness, digital finance, and sustainable fashion are seeing a surge in female-led ventures. However, funding gaps and restrictive policies still challenge many women entrepreneurs, shaping the landscape for 2025.
• This 2025, Africa’s female entrepreneurs are expected to make waves, with countries like Botswana, South Africa, and Ghana leading the way. While some nations struggle with funding gaps, women-led businesses remain resilient, shaping Africa’s economic future.

Deep Dive!!

Africa is witnessing a powerful shift in female entrepreneurship, with more women starting businesses than ever before. The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE)  

reveals that African women are defying economic challenges and driving innovation across industries. However, their journeys are shaped by factors such as government support, access to finance, and business environment conditions.

With Botswana, South Africa, and Ghana leading the continent, let’s explore the top 10 African countries projected to have the highest female entrepreneurship rates in 2025 and the driving forces behind their rankings.

10. Morocco

Morocco’s female entrepreneurs thrive in tourism, handicrafts, and fashion, with the country being a major exporter of women-led artisanal products. Microfinance programs have played a critical role in helping women establish and expand their businesses, particularly in rural areas. The Moroccan government has also implemented policies to increase women’s participation in leadership roles, which is reflected in the growing number of female-led enterprises in the country. However, traditional societal expectations still create challenges for women seeking to scale their businesses beyond the local market.

9. Tunisia

Tunisia is a leader in North Africa when it comes to women in STEM-based businesses. Over 40% of startups in the country’s tech and innovation sector are female-led, thanks to government-backed incubators and startup grants. The country also has a strong legal framework supporting women’s rights in business, making it easier for them to access funding and business training. However, cultural barriers still limit women's participation in certain male-dominated industries.

8. Angola

Angola is one of Africa’s fastest-growing female entrepreneurship hubs, with businesses owned by women. The country has seen a surge in women-led ventures in retail and agriculture, though the lack of affordable business financing remains a hurdle.

7. Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s women entrepreneurs are driving the informal economy, particularly in trade and small-scale manufacturing. The country has one of the highest rates of women in agribusiness, with female-led cooperatives increasing in rural areas. However, the gender gap in digital entrepreneurship is still significant, as only a small percentage of women have access to e-commerce platforms. Government initiatives, such as low-interest loans for female entrepreneurs, are helping to bridge the financial gap.

6. Uganda

Uganda boasts a female entrepreneurship rate, driven by strong cultural support for women in business. Women thrive in agriculture, trade, and crafts, and the government has launched initiatives to enhance access to capital. However, limited global market integration slows business expansion.

5. Nigeria

As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has its businesses owned by women. Women entrepreneurs dominate sectors like fashion, beauty, and e-commerce, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok playing a crucial role in sales. However, high operational costs and limited access to venture capital remain challenges for women looking to scale.

4. Madagascar

Madagascar’s female entrepreneurship is steadily growing, especially in the agricultural and textile industries. Women play a crucial role in vanilla and clove exports, sectors that contribute significantly to the country’s economy. However, financial exclusion remains a major barrier, with most women relying on informal savings groups instead of traditional banks. Despite this, the rise of digital payment solutions is gradually improving access to capital for women-led businesses.

3. Ghana

Ghana has long been a powerhouse for female entrepreneurship, with businesses owned by women. The country has a thriving marketplace culture, where women excel in trade and manufacturing. Ghana’s business policies are supportive, but high taxation and limited access to credit pose challenges.

2. South Africa

South Africa’s female entrepreneurship rate stands driven by opportunities in corporate and creative industries. The government has rolled out various grant programs to support women-led businesses, but a complex regulatory system and economic uncertainty continue to hinder faster growth.

1. Botswana

Botswana takes the top spot of businesses owned by women. The country has one of Africa’s most business-friendly environments, with low corruption, accessible financing, and strong government support. Women entrepreneurs in Botswana benefit from policies that encourage business ownership, making it the leading African nation for female entrepreneurship in 2025.