| By: |
Brixiova, Zuzana (Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republik);
Kangoye, Thierry (African Development Bank) |
| Abstract: |
This paper analyzes the role of networks in access of women 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. |
| Keywords: |
networks, start-up capital, multivariate analysis, Africa |
| JEL: |
L53 O12 |
| Date: |
2019–03 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12198&r=all |