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Towards Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Addressing Constraining and Contributing Factors for Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick Ebong Ebewo

    (Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa)

  • Cecile Schultz

    (Department of People Management and Development, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa)

  • Mphoreng Magdeline Mmako

    (Department of People Management and Development, Tshwane University of Technology, Polokwane 0699, South Africa)

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs are increasingly recognised as pivotal contributors to economic growth, poverty alleviation, and employment generation, particularly in developing economies like South Africa. This study explores the contributing and constraining factors that shape the future of women’s entrepreneurship in South Africa through the lens of Institutional Theory. Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine (9) women entrepreneurs affiliated with a Centre for Entrepreneurship Development. The findings highlight key enabling factors, such as mentorship, education, supportive policies, collaboration, and government intervention programmes, which equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and resources needed to thrive. However, significant barriers persist, including financial exclusion, societal norms, ineffective policies, and psychological constraints such as low entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The study concludes that aligning institutional support across the regulatory, normative, and cultural-cognitive dimensions is essential for fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recommendations include simplifying access to funding, expanding mentorship opportunities, and addressing systemic cultural and policy barriers to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Ebong Ebewo & Cecile Schultz & Mphoreng Magdeline Mmako, 2025. "Towards Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Addressing Constraining and Contributing Factors for Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:1:p:14-:d:1558862
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Sutter, Christopher & Bruton, Garry D. & Chen, Juanyi, 2019. "Entrepreneurship as a solution to extreme poverty: A review and future research directions," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 197-214.
    3. Reena Agrawal & Priti Bakhshi & Arti Chandani & Ramona Birau & Suhan Mendon, 2023. "Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in South Asian countries using interpretive structural modeling," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(2), pages 2244755-224, December.
    4. Bardhyl Ahmetaj & Alba Demneri Kruja & Eglantina Hysa, 2023. "Women Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Perspectives of an Emerging Economy," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-20, April.
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