Shopnest Africa seeks support for women entrepreneurs

Shopnest Africa has decried challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing the support necessary for business sustainability and growth. The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, calls for dismantling barriers against women in business.

Taivo Saks, CEO of Shopnest Africa, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “African women in business deserve to experience Accelerated Action in all facets of life. There’s an urgent need to move away from creating policies to actioning policies for impact, especially in an era where AI-backed technology is improving human-technology interaction.”

Research reveals that 42.1 per cent of women engage primarily in micro-businesses within the informal sector, while only 13.57 per cent participate in the formal sector.

This disparity reflects deeply entrenched societal and corporate limitations that women encounter. In contrast, women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) globally have made significant contributions to community development by generating employment and reinvesting profits into social initiatives that benefit families, particularly women and children.

As 2025 unfolds, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest have become arenas for women entrepreneurs to promote their businesses alongside their family lives.

While some argue that balancing these roles is impossible, advocates contend that with adequate support, such a balance is attainable. The role of small and medium enterprises in Africa is crucial, often referred to as the ‘engine room’ of economic growth, contributing significantly to both employment and the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, women entrepreneurs in Africa face challenges such as inadequate government assistance, poor infrastructure, and corruption. The mortality rate among businesses in the region is alarmingly high, with five out of seven failing within their first year, according to Adcorp. These issues threaten to stifle the growth of established businesses and deter new ventures.

Despite numerous efforts by governments, non-profits, and private organizations, the effectiveness of such initiatives remains limited. Ongoing inflation threatens the viability of established businesses, while many aspiring entrepreneurs face an uphill battle to launch their ventures in this hostile economic landscape.

Saks further noted the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to identify and address gaps in support for women entrepreneurs. “Accelerated action will not happen by mere wish; it requires relevant and timely solutions.”

In line with its mission, Shopnest Africa is committed to partnering with industry leaders, financial institutions, NGOs, and government bodies to drive systemic change and create a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. The organization envisions a future where financially liberated women thrive, powered by technology-driven solutions.