Breaking Barriers for Women and Young Entrepreneurs in North Africa: Skills, Finance, and Social Norms

Zuzana Brixiova Schwidrowski (), Amal Nagah Elbeshbishi and Jiaxin Zhao
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Zuzana Brixiova Schwidrowski: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Amal Nagah Elbeshbishi: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Jiaxin Zhao: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

No 217, IZA Policy Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Skills gaps, a lack of funding, and social norms continue to keep women and youth in North Africa from engaging in productive entrepreneurship. Using cross-national data and regional indicators from the World Bank and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, this analysis shows how such barriers reinforce each other, leading to the structural exclusion of women and youth. For example, only 1.2% of Egyptian women are business owners, and young people in Tunisia have a significantly lower chance than adults of obtaining business loans. The report estimates that if gender gaps in networks and skills are addressed, up to 7 million more female entrepreneurs could be established in North Africa. Progress requires targeted education, the use of inclusive finance tools, and shifts in public opinion. When supported by policies, the entrepreneurship of women and young people can boost resilience and create job-rich growth.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; North Africa; gender and youth economic empowerment; financial inclusion; skills development; social norms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J16 J18 L26 O17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 15 pages
Date: 2025-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr, nep-ara, nep-fle and nep-pke
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