Female entrepreneurship in the Maghreb

Abstract

Although the number of female entrepreneurs is steadily increasing across the world, women-led businesses in the Maghreb remain very weak. As a result, this study attempts to explore the factors that encourage or hinder the entrepreneurial activities of women in the Maghreb. To do this, an interview guide was conducted with 25 female entrepreneurs. According to the results, female entrepreneurs seem to be more motivated by personal factors (the search for personal fulfillment, autonomy and independence). On the other hand, it is clearly expressed that the influence of economic, regulatory and sociocultural factors on their entrepreneurial approach is limited.