The share of enterprises managed by women in Rwanda has increased by 7.3 percentage points, rising from 32.6 per cent in 2017 to 39.9 per cent in 2023, according to the latest Gender Thematic Report based on the 2023 Establishment Census.

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Between 2017 and 2020, women-managed enterprises grew by 38.7 per cent, compared with 14.3 per cent for those managed by men. The trend continued between 2020 and 2023, when women-managed enterprises expanded by 24.7 per cent, more than double the 10.9 per cent growth recorded among male-managed businesses.

The report, published by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), on Monday, July 27, shows that the number of enterprises managed by women increased from 60,786 in 2017 to 104,316 in 2023.

Over the same period, male-managed enterprises rose from 125,662 to 157,082, indicating that businesses led by women have been growing at a faster pace.

Women still underrepresented in larger businesses

Despite the progress, men continue to manage most enterprises in Rwanda, accounting for 60.1 per cent of businesses, compared with 39.9 per cent managed by women. The gap becomes more pronounced as enterprises grow in size.

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Women manage 40.8 per cent of micro enterprises employing one to three workers, but their share falls to 30.3 per cent among small enterprises, 22.7 per cent among medium-sized enterprises, and just 10.8 per cent among large enterprises with more than 100 employees.

The report also shows a clear urban-rural divide. Women manage 66,341 enterprises in urban areas, slightly more than the 64,655 managed by men. In rural areas, however, men manage 92,427 enterprises, compared with 37,975 managed by women.

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Trade dominates women-managed businesses

Wholesale and retail trade, including the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, accounts for the largest share of women-managed enterprises, with women managing 44.6 per cent of businesses in the sector.

Accommodation and food service activities follow, where women manage 33.7 per cent of enterprises. Administrative and support service activities is the only sector in which women slightly outnumber men, accounting for 52.8 per cent of enterprise managers.

Men remain dominant in several capital-intensive and technical sectors. They manage 88 per cent of construction enterprises, 83.7 per cent of mining and quarrying businesses, 79 per cent of transport and storage enterprises, and 77.9 per cent of information and communication businesses.

Micro enterprises remain the norm

Most enterprises managed by women are micro businesses. They account for 94.4 per cent of all women-managed enterprises, while medium and large enterprises together make up less than one per cent.