Formalization of Ethiopian women entrepreneurs from the informal sector through the implementation of capacity- building program: the case of women entrepreneurs in selected zones in SNNPR, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The main aim of this study was to transform women’s informal trade into formal by implementing a Capacity-building Program (CBP). A total of 258 women entrepreneurs were randomly selected from six randomly selected zones in the SNNPR using a two-stage sampling method. The data were collected through Paper Assisted Personal Interview (PAPI) technique. Interview and FGD with government officials and some selected women were conducted. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and the qualitative data were analyzed through a thematic approach. The study revealed that there is a moderate implementation of CBP and lack of CBP is the main constraint for the formalization of the informal sector process and CBP has a positive role for the formalization of the informal sector.