The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone

By Aminata Bah

Over the last decade, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of women entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone. This growth is especially visible in urban areas like Freetown, where a new generation of women has taken the leap into starting and running businesses in various sectors, from agriculture and retail to fashion, tech, and services.

The government, along with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has played a role in supporting women’s entrepreneurship through programs aimed at providing financial literacy, business training, and access to capital. One notable initiative is The Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP), supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has helped hundreds of women start businesses by providing access to finance and skill-building programs. Women in Sierra Leone are increasingly accessing microfinance and small loans through programmes that offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms.

Moreover, platforms like The Sierra Leone Chamber for Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA) have been working to provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and business support to female entrepreneurs, helping them to expand their reach and scale up their ventures. This has led to greater visibility for women-led businesses and inspired others to join the entrepreneurial movement.

Prominent Women Entrepreneurs and Success Stories

There are many inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs who are thriving in Sierra Leone’s challenging business environment. For example, Kadiatu Kamara, the founder of Sierra Leone’s first all-female construction company, has defied gender norms and proven that women can succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Kadiatu’s company, Kamara Construction, provides construction services and employs women in skilled labor positions, challenging the stereotypes of women’s capabilities in the workforce.

Another example is Fatmata Binta, a renowned chef and food entrepreneur who has leveraged her passion for Sierra Leonean cuisine to establish a successful restaurant and catering business. Binta is one of many women who have tapped into the growing food and hospitality industry in Freetown. She’s also a part of a larger trend of women entrepreneurs using their businesses to promote Sierra Leone’s rich culture and traditions to both local and international audiences.

Mariama Bah, an entrepreneur in the beauty and fashion industry, is another example of a woman who has achieved success despite the barriers that women face. Bah started a cosmetics brand that focuses on creating beauty products from natural ingredients, many of which are sourced locally. She has used her business to empower other women by creating jobs and offering training in the beauty industry. Through her work, Bah has contributed to both the economic development and the changing social fabric of Sierra Leone.

One of the key factors enabling women to succeed in entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone is access to education and training. While women have historically had lower levels of educational attainment compared to men, the situation is slowly improving. More girls are staying in school, and there is growing recognition of the importance of education for women’s empowerment. Programs aimed at improving literacy, vocational skills, and business management for women are helping to equip them with the tools necessary to succeed in the business world.

Technology is also playing a crucial role in empowering women entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone. As mobile phone penetration has increased, so too have the opportunities for women to use mobile platforms for business purposes. Many women are using social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to promote their businesses, reach customers, and expand their markets. Mobile payment systems, such as Mobile Money (Orange money, Afrimony, and Q-money) have made it easier for women in rural areas to access financial services and receive payments for their goods and services without the need for a traditional bank account.

Additionally, networking groups and women’s associations are helping to connect female entrepreneurs, allowing them to share resources, advice, and opportunities. Women entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone are increasingly tapping into these networks, not only for business development but also for solidarity and collective action. Groups like the Women Entrepreneurs Network and The Sierra Leone Association of Women Entrepreneurs (SLAWE) provide mentorship, training, and advocacy, helping to amplify the voices of women in business and pushing for greater gender equality in entrepreneurship.

The future for women entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone is promising, though challenges remain. Continued support from the government, civil society, and the international community is crucial to creating a more enabling environment for women in business. This includes addressing access to finance, improving infrastructure, ensuring equal access to education, and removing social and cultural barriers.

As more women break into sectors once dominated by men, there is potential for significant economic transformation. Women-led businesses are contributing to the diversification of Sierra Leone’s economy and playing a key role in driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.

In the coming years, it is likely that women entrepreneurs will continue to emerge as key players in Sierra Leone’s economic development, not only through their businesses but also through their role in inspiring the next generation of female leaders. With ongoing efforts to empower women and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, Sierra Leone’s women entrepreneurs are poised to build a stronger, more prosperous future for the country.