In Belgium, as in the rest of the world, female entrepreneurship is constantly evolving. Every day, new female entrepreneurs are launching their businesses and creating ideas and jobs. But the reality and the obstacles to be overcome by these female business leaders vary greatly from one corner of the globe to another. The ‘Ensemble Pour Elles ’ initiative supports 100 female entrepreneurs in Bukavu, South Kivu. Here is how it works in practice.

Today, 36% of self-employed workers in Belgium are women (FPS Economy, 2025) and just over one in ten working women are self-employed. This makes Belgium a good performer in Europe, even though women are still less likely than men to be self-employed. In addition, they still too often run smaller businesses with fewer employees than their male counterparts.

Africa, champion of female entrepreneurship

Globally, the figures remain similar: around two-thirds of self-employed workers are men, except in Africa. The African continent is where female entrepreneurs are best represented: 58% of self-employed workers are women (World Bank, 2020). Of all female workers, 27% start their own businesses, which is a world record.

For some of these women entrepreneurs, this choice is made due to a lack of alternatives. Opportunities for salaried work are rare, particularly for women, who often have lower levels of education and face discriminatory recruitment practices. Women also bear the brunt of domestic responsibilities. As a result, running a small home-based business is one of their few means of earning their own income.

The case of Congolese women entrepreneurs

Among African countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo is a good example of this trend, while also revealing its own challenges. With a population of 110 million, 51% of whom are women, this country has a large number of women-led businesses. The figures should be taken with a pinch of salt, as many of these businesses operate in the informal economy, but it is estimated that 43% of Congolese businesses are run by women.

These businesses remain predominantly small and face numerous challenges. In South Kivu in particular, the current conflict, uncertainty and inflation it causes are severely slowing down the economy and therefore entrepreneurship.

But many women have no choice: their husbands have left the region to work in the mines, and they must ensure the survival of their families on their own.

Together for Women

Through the ‘Ensemble Pour Elles’ initiative, Louvain Coopération and its partner, GEL Sud Kivu, are supporting 100 female entrepreneurs in Bukavu in their entrepreneurial journey, both technically and psychologically. They are coached, have access to training and receive equipment to improve the profitability of their businesses. In addition, they regularly visit the ‘Espace Sûr’, a space dedicated to women entrepreneurs, where they can exchange ideas, have their young children looked after and meet with a psychologist. The aim is to give them the courage to continue, despite the obstacles.

You too can make a difference. As the year draws to a close, Louvain Coopération needs your support to assist 100 women entrepreneurs in Bukavu and enable them to build a sustainable future for their families.

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