This case study explores how The Gambia is strengthening financial inclusion for women-owned and women-led MSMEs through gender-responsive policies, regulatory reforms and a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

It examines the structural barriers facing women entrepreneurs, including informality, limited access to finance, inadequate financial products and data gaps, while highlighting the role of digital financial services, national financial inclusion strategies and entrepreneurship support initiatives in expanding financial access. The study also presents practical recommendations to strengthen gender-responsive financial systems, enabling women-led enterprises to formalize, grow and transition towards more productive, growth-oriented businesses.