Africa needs to harness the power of its women to drive full economic growth and development, says new Ernst & Young thought leadership

A thought-provoking Ernst & Young report, Women of Africa, is set to stimulate debate among global policy-makers, business leaders and development agencies around the appropriate mechanisms needed to support women in Africa to reach their full potential. The paper highlights research evidence and case studies to argue the case for women as critical catalysts for meaningful economic growth and development in Africa.

The publication of the report follows the launch earlier this year of Ernst & Young’s 2011 Africa Attractiveness Survey, in which three-quarters of the 562 business leaders interviewed were positive about the continent’s prospects over the next three years. The survey positions Africa as being on the cusp of a period of significant economic development. Over the past two decades improved regulatory reform, political stability and governance have led to increased investor confidence resulting in six African economies featuring amongst the 10 fastest growing economies in the world between 2001 and 2010.

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