Women entrepreneurship in Africa: the case of Otjozondjupa market in Otjiwarongo, Central Namibia

This paper explores the role of women entrepreneurship in Africa, with specific reference to the Otjozondjupa market in Central Namibia, Otjiwarongo. It is evident from this study that women play a number of critical roles in the Namibian communities. Women entrepreneurs also have the responsibility that of sole bread winners, mothers and role models in their families. The paper first gave an overview of the Otjozondjupa market, its origin and structure. An extensive review of related literature was conducted by looking at women entrepreneurship best practices in Latin America, Asia and Africa. The research was qualitative in nature, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 entrepreneurs at the Otjozondjupa market. The results indicated that women are confronted with numerous challenges, such as funding, discrimination etc. This paper can indeed act as a springboard for many studies to be conducted in Namibia with reference to women entrepreneurship, Africa and beyond.