KAMPALA, July 24, 2026 — The African Development Bank Group’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa [AFAWA], in partnership with social impact innovation company Lionesses of Africa, has unveiled a new digital playbook titled Financing Business Growth. The publication highlights how women entrepreneurs across Africa are accessing finance, expanding their businesses, creating jobs and contributing to the continent’s economic growth.
The publication features the stories of 25 African women entrepreneurs from 17 countries, several of whom have received direct support through AFAWA. They have built successful and growing enterprises across a wide range of sectors, including agribusiness, fashion, finance, green energy, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail, security and water management.
Financing Business Growth captures the experiences of African women entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of securing finance to grow their businesses. Through interviews and case studies, the publication showcases the strategies they have used to access capital and scale their enterprises. It also offers practical insights into building investor confidence, strengthening business operations and achieving sustainable growth.
Designed as a practical resource for women entrepreneurs, financial institutions, policymakers and business support organisations, the playbook provides actionable guidance based on real-life experiences. It helps entrepreneurs better understand what investors and lenders are looking for and how to position their businesses for long-term growth.
The publication demonstrates how improved access to finance can transform women-led businesses across Africa. By documenting successful financing journeys, it highlights the importance of targeted financial support, sound business fundamentals and enabling ecosystems in unlocking sustainable growth.
Melanie Hawken, Founder of Lionesses of Africa, said: “The Financing Business Growth playbook is founded on a simple belief: some of the most valuable lessons a woman entrepreneur can learn come from another woman who has successfully navigated the journey before her. Drawing on first-hand experience of overcoming challenges and securing funding, this playbook offers practical guidance to help more women entrepreneurs unlock the capital they need to grow and succeed.”
AFAWA funded the development of the playbook in partnership with Lionesses of Africa. The publication supports the African Development Bank Group’s Four Cardinal Points vision by sharing practical lessons that enable women entrepreneurs to access finance, build stronger businesses, create jobs and drive more inclusive economic growth. It also promotes entrepreneurship and private-sector development as key pathways to unlocking Africa’s demographic potential.
AFAWA Coordinator Melissa Basque-Roux said: “Financing Business Growth embodies the African Development Bank Group’s vision for Africa’s future. At AFAWA, we know that when women entrepreneurs gain access to finance, they do far more than grow businesses—they create jobs, strengthen communities and drive economic transformation. This playbook demonstrates what is possible when women entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to thrive and provides practical guidance to help more founders follow that path.”
The publication also expands the body of research on Africa’s gender financing gap by amplifying the real-world experiences of women entrepreneurs seeking finance across diverse sectors.
Lionesses of Africa connects more than 1.8 million women entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, as well as members of the African diaspora in Europe and North America. Through its digital platforms, business resources, research and entrepreneur support initiatives, the organisation is helping to transform the landscape for Africa’s women entrepreneurs. It partnered with AFAWA to ensure the playbook reflects the realities faced by women business owners across the continent.
AFAWA is a pan-African initiative working to close the estimated US$ 42 billion financing gap facing women entrepreneurs in Africa. Through financing, technical assistance and policy engagement, the initiative supports financial institutions while fostering a more enabling environment for women-owned businesses across the continent.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
