Factors influencing access to public procurement markets for women-owned businesses in Africa: the case of Mali

Although female entrepreneurship is a rapidly growing global phenomenon, contributions specifically in the field of public procurement are rare. This study helps to fill this gap by examining the factors that hinder and stimulate female-owned businesses’ access to public procurement markets in an African country, specifically Mali. The study draws on resource-based view (RBV) theory and gendered entrepreneurship theory. The results obtained using mixed methodology reveal several barriers, three of which are particularly significant: lack of knowledge of public procurement strategies and rules, socio-cultural prejudices, and lack of financial resources and skilled human resources. The results also reveal stimulating factors such as gender-sensitive public procurement, even though these new practices are still limited in the Malian context. The article is aimed at women entrepreneurs and public decision-makers with a view to creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment in Mali and globally. It is unique in the context of African countries, as it highlights the influential role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the local and even global public procurement ecosystem. It proposes relevant solutions at both the local and global levels.