Empowering Women in African E-commerce: How Digital Platforms Are Closing the Gender Gap
Introduction
Empowering Women in African E-commerce: Across Africa, women are embracing digital tools to start, grow, and scale their businesses. With the rise of mobile connectivity and e-commerce platforms, more women are turning entrepreneurial ideas into thriving ventures.
Yet, despite progress, gender gaps persist. Women often face barriers to financing, market access, digital literacy, and visibility.
This article explores how e-commerce is empowering women across Africa and highlights Comilmart’s EmpowerHER initiative as a game-changing platform designed to support female entrepreneurs.
The State of Women in African Business
According to the World Bank, women account for 58% of Africa’s self-employed population. However, they earn 34% less than their male counterparts, and only 15% of startups in Africa are founded by women.
Barriers Facing Women Entrepreneurs:
- Limited access to funding and credit
- Poor internet connectivity in rural areas
- Cultural and legal restrictions
- Lower digital literacy rates
How E-commerce is Changing the Game
Platforms like Comilmart, Jumia, Sokowatch, and Konga are helping African women overcome traditional market barriers.
Key Benefits:
- Low Startup Costs – No physical store needed
- Wider Market Access – Reach buyers across countries
- Automated Payment Systems – Financial transparency
- Marketing Tools – Use social media & SEO to grow visibility
- Analytics & Insights – Data to track growth
Comilmart EmpowerHER: Supporting African Women Entrepreneurs
EmpowerHER by Comilmart is a dedicated initiative to equip African women with the tools, knowledge, and exposure they need to thrive in digital commerce.
Program Highlights:
- Free Vendor Onboarding & Microsite Setup
- Product Photography & Listing Support
- Mentorship & Webinars from Industry Experts
- Digital Marketing Training (SEO, WhatsApp Marketing)
- Access to Women-Led Business Networks
- Participation in African Women’s Market Campaigns
Success Stories: African Women Thriving Online
- Aisha from Kano, Nigeria – Started selling natural skincare on Comilmart. Within 6 months, monthly orders jumped from 15 to 300.
- Beatrice from Kenya – Launched her Ankara bag business. Her brand now ships to 5 African countries via Comilmart logistics.
- Fatou from Senegal – Uses Comilmart to sell handmade jewelry, with revenue doubling each quarter thanks to WhatsApp and Instagram integration.
Digital Tools Every Female Entrepreneur Should Use
- Canva – For DIY graphic design
- Google My Business – Improve local search ranking
- Comilmart Seller Dashboard – Manage inventory, pricing, and orders
- Mailchimp / Brevo – Email marketing
- Meta Business Suite – Run Facebook and Instagram ads
Partnering with NGOs and Banks
Several organizations now work with e-commerce platforms to support women:
- SheTrades by ITC
- African Women in E-commerce Network (AWEN)
- UBA Women’s Bank Programs
- Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works
These partnerships offer access to micro-loans, digital tools, and educational resources.
What More Can Be Done?
- Invest in broadband connectivity in rural areas
- Offer gender-sensitive business training
- Increase access to microfinance for women
- Promote success stories through the media
How to Get Involved with EmpowerHER
- Visit: Comilmart EmpowerHER Page
- Apply as a Vendor – Choose ‘EmpowerHER’ option
- Join Free Webinars & Mentorship Sessions
- Access Grants & Resources (where available)
Conclusion
The future of African e-commerce must be inclusive. Empowering women through digital platforms creates jobs, builds communities, and fuels economic growth.
Comilmart’s EmpowerHER is more than a program—it’s a movement.
Are you a female entrepreneur?
👉 Get Empowered with Comilmart
Further Reading & Resources:
- World Bank: Women and E-commerce in Africa
- African Union Gender Strategy 2022
- Comilmart Seller Center
