Africa's female rising stars of business are still seen as second-class citizens | Afua Osei

Despite the compelling narrative about African women becoming titans of industry, sexism and inequality make scaling up impossible for many entrepreneurs

Africa is building up a glowing reputation as the global leader in female entrepreneurship. Last year, MasterCard released its celebratory Index of Women Entrepreneurs to much fanfare. Uganda and Botswana topped the list, which further pushed the new narrative that women are rising above adverse circumstances to create businesses that will rev the engine of growth in sub-Saharan Africa.

Unfortunately, few have been willing to admit that this story, satisfying though it may be, is incomplete at best. The high levels of labour force participation that earn commendations mask the persistence of significant, structural limitations on female business-owners.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2rFTUtm