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Networks, Start-up Capital and Women’s Entrepreneurial Performance in Africa: Evidence from Eswatini

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  • Brixiová, Zuzana
  • Kangoye, Thierry

Abstract

This paper analyzes the role of networks in the access of female entrepreneurs to start-up capital and firm performance in Eswatini, a country with one of the highest female unemployment rates in Africa. The paper first shows that higher initial capital is associated with better sales performance for both men and women entrepreneurs. Women entrepreneurs start their firms with smaller start-up capital than men and are more likely to fund it from their own sources, which reduces the size of their firm and sales level. However, women with higher education start their firms with more capital than their less educated counterparts. Moreover, women who receive support from professional networks have higher initial capital, while those trained in financial literacy more often access external funding sources, including through their networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Brixiová, Zuzana & Kangoye, Thierry, 2019. "Networks, Start-up Capital and Women’s Entrepreneurial Performance in Africa: Evidence from Eswatini," GLO Discussion Paper Series 431, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:431
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    networks; start-up capital; women’s entrepreneurship; multivariate analysis; Africa;

    JEL classification:

    • L53 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Enterprise Policy
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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