The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched a digital finance program targeting 34,000 women-owned businesses across the continent. The initiative is designed to address the significant financing gap faced by women entrepreneurs, estimated at $49 billion, which is equivalent to about Sh6.3 trillion. By leveraging digital finance tools, the program seeks to improve access to capital and support economic growth through increased participation of women in business.

The program will provide women entrepreneurs with the necessary financial resources and digital infrastructure to scale their operations. It includes training on financial management and digital literacy, aiming to empower women to make informed business decisions. The AfDB is working with local financial institutions and technology platforms to ensure the program reaches a wide audience and is tailored to the specific needs of women-led enterprises.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality and economic inclusion in Africa. By addressing the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face, the program hopes to create a more equitable business environment and drive sustainable development. The success of the program will depend on its ability to adapt to local contexts and provide long-term support to women in business.