An African Policy Analysis of Women's Business Leadership in Seychelles, 2005–2025

This policy analysis critically examines the efficacy of national frameworks in advancing women’s business leadership in Seychelles from 2005 to 2025. It addresses the persistent gap between progressive gender policies and their tangible outcomes within the private sector, a challenge resonant across many African nations and small island developing states (SIDS) pursuing inclusive economic growth. Employing a rigorous qualitative document analysis, the study scrutinises key policy instruments—including the 2005 National Gender Policy, subsequent national development strategies, and private sector charters—alongside secondary data on women’s representation in senior corporate roles and entrepreneurship. The analysis reveals that, despite a strong legislative foundation for gender equality, specific implementation mechanisms for the business sector remain fragmented and underdeveloped. Findings indicate women’s advancement is often confined to micro-enterprises and the public sector, with significant structural barriers—including constrained access to capital, limited professional networks, and pervasive unconscious bias—hindering progress in medium and large-scale enterprises. The article contends that Seychelles’ experience offers crucial lessons for African and SIDS policymakers, underscoring the necessity of moving beyond aspirational policy to embed enforceable quotas, targeted financing instruments, and robust monitoring within private sector governance structures. Its significance lies in contributing an evidence-based, African-centred perspective on transforming policy intent into substantive leadership parity, advocating for integrated strategies that leverage unique socio-economic contexts to unlock women’s full entrepreneurial potential.