International Women’s Day : Celebrating the Impact of Female Entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Agrifood Sector

At the Agripreneurship Alliance (AAAM), we believe that women should be celebrated every day. However, this International Women’s Day, we want to focus on the incredible impact that women are having not just in the agrifood sector, but across the many communities of Sub-Saharan Africa. Their contributions are transforming the region, and we believe it’s crucial to highlight how these entrepreneurs are driving change and growth.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, female entrepreneurs are at the heart of the agrifood sector. In fact, this is the only region where women make up the majority of entrepreneurs listed, according to a 2019 report by the World Bank. What’s even more impressive is the fact that more women proportionally are engaged in the agrifood industry than men, 66% of working women in the region are employed within the agrifood sector, compared to 60% of men, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2023.

Women in agribusiness are not just contributing to food production; they are creating ripple effects that positively impact the local economy, food security, and their communities. By focusing on agrifood enterprises, female entrepreneurs are driving innovation, improving productivity, and investing back into their local communities. This boosts the local economy while also increasing food availability in a region where hunger and food insecurity are ongoing challenges.

One of the remarkable things about women-led businesses in the agrifood sector is how they actively address some of the region’s most pressing problems. These entrepreneurs are finding solutions to food waste, malnutrition, and unsustainable farming practices. Many female agripreneurs promote the use of local crops and sustainable farming methods, helping to improve food production while adapting to the effects of climate change.

As highlighted by AgFunderNews (2021), “Women entrepreneurs are identifying untapped foods and resources to boost farmer incomes, nourish the continent, and cultivate healthy livelihoods.” This not only helps to diversify the region’s food systems, but also increases resilience to climate challenges, ensuring that agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa remains productive and sustainable.

Beyond food production, these female-led businesses are also creating opportunities for other women. Many of these entrepreneurs provide training, mentorship, and employment to women in their communities. This is a critical strategy in the fight for gender equality. By creating economic opportunities and empowering other women, they are reducing poverty and supporting social development. This impact extends far beyond individual businesses and directly contributes to the sustainable growth of entire communities.

At the Agripreneurship Alliance, we have had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented female entrepreneurs from across Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of their stories are featured on our website, and they serve as an inspiring reminder of the powerful impact these women are having on their communities. Take, for example, Mackline Asingwire, a remarkable entrepreneur whose Tilapia farm produces 2,000 fish per bi-annual cycle. By combining sustainable practices with a passion for innovation, Mackline is not only growing her business but also supporting her community’s food security.

Another inspiring entrepreneur is Naswirah Nalukwago, who is sometimes referred to as the “Rabbit Queen”. Naswirah runs a farm where she raises rabbits and goats, producing valuable fertilizers and pesticides from their excreta. Beyond her farming ventures, Naswirah is committed to empowering others by offering training and mentorship for those interested in becoming entrepreneurs. Her approach is helping to create a network of skilled, educated individuals who are ready to make their own mark on the agrifood sector.

These are just two examples of the amazing women we have worked with, but there are countless more exceptional female entrepreneurs throughout Sub-Saharan Africa who are making a lasting impact. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate the immense contributions of these female entrepreneurs and their efforts to not only forge livelihoods for themselves, but their efforts to improve the lives of those around them as well.

Bibliography · 

World Bank (2019) Profiting from parity: Unlocking the potential of women's business in Africa. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. Available at: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/31421 (Accessed: 4 March 2025). · 

FAO (2023) The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems. Available at: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/cf566816-e3c6-42a3-be37-77f86e4050cf/content (Accessed: 4 March 2025). 

AgFunderNews (2021) 'Women Entrepreneurs Unlock Value in Africa's Overlooked Food Resources'. Available at: https://agfundernews.com/women-entrepreneurs-are-unlocking-value-in-africas-overlooked-agrifood-resources (Accessed: 4 March 2025).

Alexander Cawdery

Agripreneurship Alliance

8 March 2025