Women entrepreneurs are real drivers of economic change in Africa

The United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda which looks to shift the world on to a sustainable and resilient path, is once again in focus. And UNESCO, the UN agency actively supporting countries in making this transformative change, has two key priorities - Gender Equality and Africa. UNESCO has recognized that mainstreaming gender equality in all of its programmes will drive real economic and social change, especially on the African continent. What is interesting when looking at the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is that Africa’s women entrepreneurs are the real agents of social transformation in each of the focused goals. They understand the extended impact chain of the businesses they create. According to the World Bank, women entrepreneurs typically put back 90% of what they make into their communities. They educate their children, they create job opportunities, they look after the environment, and they promote the full participation of women and girls in society. If Africa is to fulfill its Sustainable Development goals, it will be women entrepreneurs who are driving real and lasting social and economic transformation.