`` The entrepreneurial landscape in sub-Saharan Africa is absolutely excellent , '' says Mike Herrington , executive director of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor ( GEM ) and professor at the University of Cape Town in South Africa . Experts say Africa has to rely on small businesses to provide employment . The continent has the highest rates of early - stage entrepreneurship in the world . It 's a haven for female entrepreneurship , says Global Business Monitor . Yet countries with many new entrepreneurs also see high rates of discontinuance .
Experts say Africa has to rely on small businesses to provide employment . The continent has the highest rates of early - stage entrepreneurship in the world . It 's a haven for female entrepreneurship , says Global Business Monitor . Yet countries with many new entrepreneurs also see high rates of discontinuance .