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

In South Africa, gender equality has improved across educational access, health outcomes and political representation. Room for improvement still exists including closing the gender pay gap, addressing women’s higher unemployment and supporting women’s progress to higher skilled jobs. This is vital for Black African women who have the lowest rates of formal employment and the lowest earnings.

The South Africa country report covers the Manufacturing (CTFL – Clothing, Textiles, Footwear, & Leather), Wholesale and Trade, and Real Estate sectors, including sector-specific key findings and proposed policy and programmatic recommendations.