Access to Finance for Young African Entrepreneurs: Insights from YE! community

Young entrepreneurs face markedly higher barriers than their older peers to access finance and expand their business. The International Trade Centre, through its YE! Community, has surveyed young entrepreneurs to understand their main funding needs and challenges they face when trying to obtain finance. 

This publication frames the survey results as part of a larger issue of access to finance for youth, especially in Africa, and sets out to understand the main youth-specific barriers. Building on the research results, this paper includes recommendations for policymakers to develop more youth-inclusive ecosystems and help young entrepreneurs access finance.