Pathways to Gender-Inclusive Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Sectoral Analysis – Nigeria Report

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.

Nigeria has established legal frameworks for gender equality. Given socio-economic variations (across geopolitical zones, urban vs. rural areas), further efforts are needed to align and enforce provisions of national gender equality laws at state and community levels. Addressing security challenges in conflict-affected areas is also key to ensure sustainable and gender-inclusive economic development.

The Nigeria country report covers the Agriculture (Rice, Cotton), and Manufacturing(Textiles and Garments including Artisanal Textiles) sectors, including sector-specific key findings and proposed policy and programmatic recommendations.