Some beneficiaries of Advans supportAcross Africa, women-led businesses face well-documented barriers that hinder their growth and access to finance. Instead, they often rely on informal financial services, such as savings groups. Household responsibilities, including childcare and caring for dependents, mean many women have fewer resources to save or reinvest in their businesses. In Northern and Western Africa, especially in Tunisia, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, Advans is exploring ways to bridge these gaps. A 2023 IMF gender note highlighted that when women access well-designed financial services, the benefits spread outward, supporting family welfare, boosting economic resilience, and building human capital.