The multi-partner, “Pathways to Gender-Inclusive Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Sectoral Analysis” study encompasses 13 countries including: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Through a combination of primary and secondary research, the study identifies the growing economic sectors in each country that hold the most promising and lucrative opportunities for women, especially young women. The study also reviews the cultural norms, policies, legal provisions, skillsets, and other factors that can support women’s success in the workforce and as entrepreneurs in those growing sectors, including the positive potential role for cooperatives. In this context, the focus is on "gender-inclusive" economic development to note the importance of including both men and women into the process, ultimately leading to more prosperous economic growth for all.

This timely study is intended to inform strategies, programme design and implementation, and policies that will promote women’s economic empowerment (WEE) and, in turn, economic growth. The study’s inclusive and collaborative approach focuses on research for impact, aiming to maximise the potential commitments and actions to support gender-inclusive development by donors, civil society, the private sector, and policymakers at the country, regional and global level by building off of country and sector-specific recommendations for consideration.