Gender-Smart Investing -UNECA and Oxford Economics: Africa to Launch Joint Report in Marrakech Next Week,

Abstract

On December 13, 2023, the ECA Office for North Africa and Oxford Economics Africa will launch their joint report, "Gender Smart Investing in Support of Inclusive Growth in North Africa," at the Arab SMEs Summit in Marrakech. The report explores the role of women in North Africa's entrepreneurial and SME ecosystem, analyzing how gender-smart investing can enhance women's access to employment and business opportunities. With women constituting less than 20% of the employed working-age population in most North African countries compared to a global average of 40% the study highlights the economic benefits of closing gender gaps, including job creation, SME growth, and broader economic development. The event will feature discussions on market and financial mechanisms to promote inclusive growth, with simultaneous translation in Arabic, English, and French.