In many African communities, women are the backbone of homes, farms, and markets. They are mothers, business owners, farmers, and professionals. Yet despite their undeniable contributions to their families and societies, women remain largely underrepresented in one of the most powerful tools of economic empowerment—investment.
Closing the gender wealth gap in Africa is not just about equality; it’s about unleashing an enormous pool of untapped economic potential. Investing is not just for the elite or men in suits on stock exchange floors—it is for every African woman who dreams of a better future for herself and her children.
The Gender Wealth Gap in Africa.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, Sub-Saharan Africa has made progress in closing the education and health gaps between men and women. However, the economic participation and opportunity gap remains wide. In most African countries, women earn significantly less than men and are less likely to own land, start businesses at scale, or invest in assets like stocks or real estate.
But things are beginning to change. Across Africa, more women are entering the workforce, accessing education, and exploring entrepreneurship. What’s missing is the next level—building long-term wealth through smart investing.
Why Investing Matters for African Women
Investing is how money grows. Saving is good, but it only preserves money. Investing multiplies it. For women, especially those juggling responsibilities at home and work, investing can provide the freedom to retire early, educate children, support aging parents, or even fund passion projects.
Key Benefits of Investing for African Women:
- Financial Independence – Less reliance on spouses or external support.
- Legacy Building – Assets like land, shares, or business equity can be passed on to children.
- Economic Influence – With wealth comes power, and women with financial power can shape community and policy decisions.
Practical Investment Opportunities for Women in Africa
You don’t need to be wealthy to invest. You need the right mindset, information, and discipline. Here are several practical investment options African women can tap into:
1. Agribusiness and Farming Ventures
Agriculture is Africa’s biggest employer, and many women are already involved in small-scale farming. With the right training and investment, this can grow into commercial agribusiness.
Example:
Grace in Zambia began growing tomatoes and maize on a half-acre of land. She reinvested her profits into drip irrigation and greenhouse technology. Today, she supplies produce to schools and local markets, turning her farm into a profitable business.
Action Tip:
Women can pool resources into cooperatives, invest in agri-processing machines (like maize shellers or oil extractors), or lease idle land.
2. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
These are community-based savings groups where women pool money and give loans to each other at low interest. It’s an excellent way to build investment capital and support local ventures.
Example:
In northern Malawi, a group of 20 women formed a VSLA and took turns investing in one another’s businesses. One member used her loan to buy goats, another to start a tailoring shop.
Action Tip:
Women can use VSLAs to create investment funds for larger opportunities—such as buying land or starting a poultry business.
3. Mobile Investment Apps and Fintech Platforms
Did you know? Technology is democratizing access to financial services. Platforms like Chaka, Bamboo, and Rise allow people to buy global and African stocks with their phones. Others like Cowrywise or PiggyVest help with savings automation and micro-investing.
Example:
Aisha, a teacher in Nigeria, uses Bamboo to invest ₦10,000 monthly in U.S. stocks. She started with little knowledge but joined online investment communities to learn. After 3 years, her portfolio has grown significantly, helping her save for a house.
Action Tip:
Women should explore low-capital investment platforms, start small, and grow as they learn. Many platforms offer financial literacy tools for free.
4. Real Estate Investment
While land and housing are expensive, there are still entry points. Women can invest in:
- Undeveloped plots in growing areas
- Rental rooms built in backyards
- REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) through apps
Example:
Miriam in Kenya started by leasing a small house and subletting rooms to students. She later bought her own property using profits and now owns a 6-room student hostel near a local college.
Action Tip:
Women can form small investment clubs to buy land together, or join women-led SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) that provide housing loans.
5. Investing in Skills and Businesses
Sometimes, the best investment isn’t in an asset—it’s in yourself. Vocational skills, business training, and education can all deliver excellent returns.
Example:
Loveness, a single mother in Tanzania, used a loan from her women’s group to take a baking class. She started baking cakes from her kitchen and now runs a thriving home-based business.
Action Tip:
Women should see learning as a form of investment. Knowledge and skills can create income streams faster than many traditional assets.
Overcoming Barriers to Women’s Investment in Africa
1. Cultural Norms and Gender Bias
In many societies, men still dominate household financial decisions. Women may be discouraged from owning property or starting businesses.
Solution:
Create safe spaces—like women’s financial clubs, WhatsApp groups, or local workshops—where women can learn, share, and support each other.
2. Lack of Financial Literacy
Many women were not taught how money works—especially investing.
Solution:
Encourage schools, churches, and NGOs to teach investment literacy. Use relatable examples and languages people understand.
3. Limited Access to Capital
Without assets or collateral, many women can’t access bank loans.
Solution:
Fintech solutions and peer lending platforms are reducing dependency on traditional banks. Governments and NGOs should also offer targeted financial products for women.
Encouragement from African Leaders and Thinkers
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, once said: “When you empower a woman, you empower a community.”
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emphasizes the importance of women’s financial independence: “The person who controls the money controls the conversation.”
The late Bob Collymore, former CEO of Safaricom, once stated:
“If African women had equal access to resources and capital, Africa would double its GDP in a generation.”
Final Thoughts: The Wealth is Within Reach
African women are bold, resilient, and brilliant. The challenge is not ability but access. The time to shift from surviving to thriving is now. Women must embrace investing not just for personal gain but to uplift their communities.
Start where you are. Learn what you can. Build with what you have.
Because when African women invest, Africa rises.
Call to Action:
Are you a woman ready to take control of your financial future? Start today. Join a financial literacy group. Download an investment app. Talk to a mentor. The future is female—and financially free.
You can also learn How to Make Candles at Home and Earn Money Here
