ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how female entrepreneurs in Africa use digital entrepreneurship networks to support create thriving businesses and support job creation. It examines how digital networks can facilitate access to peer support, mentorship, and business training, which help to boost women’s confidence and capabilities to run more successful businesses. It shows that female entrepreneurs in Africa are confronted with substantial challenges including access to finance (estimated USD 42 billion financing gap), as well as non-financial services. It argues that digital networks – which involve the use of digital tools including websites, social media, and video call software – can play an important role in bridging these gaps, helping female entrepreneurs to access opportunities, share experiences, and learn from a community of entrepreneurs online. The chapter concludes by laying out a series of recommendations related to how the digital network can support female entrepreneurship and job creation in Africa.
