ACCA Chief Executive highlights rising women entrepreneurs in finance ahead of International Women’s Day
Human Rights Reporters
2 min read
Helen Brand, Chief Executive of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), has highlighted a growing wave of entrepreneurial ambition among women in finance and accountancy, describing it as a strong signal of economic empowerment and leadership potential across the world.
Brand said new survey findings show a sharp increase in the number of women aspiring to become entrepreneurs, reflecting how finance and accountancy training is equipping professionals to create businesses and drive economic growth.
“Entrepreneurship represents economic empowerment in action,” she said. “The number of women aspiring to business ownership is an encouraging signal that finance and accountancy skills are equipping women not only to lead within organisations, but to build enterprises of their own.”
The findings form part of early insights from ACCA’s forthcoming Global Talent Trends 2026 report, based on responses from more than 11,000 finance professionals across 175 countries.
According to the data, 84% of women working in finance and accountancy now aspire to become entrepreneurs, up from 77% last year, indicating a steady rise in confidence among women seeking to build their own ventures.
Brand said the accountancy profession offers a powerful platform for entrepreneurial success because it combines technical expertise with skills in governance, risk management, technology and strategic leadership.
“Supporting women to translate ambition into enterprise is essential not just for equality, but for economic growth,” she added.
The survey also found that more than half of finance professionals believe their accountancy background gives them an advantage in pursuing entrepreneurial careers.
The report indicates that entrepreneurial ambition is particularly strong among younger professionals, especially Generation Z and Millennials, many of whom see entrepreneurship as a pathway to independence, impact and financial freedom.
The findings were released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, which is being marked globally under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.”
ACCA said the data highlights a broader transformation within the finance profession, with many professionals increasingly seeking careers that combine purpose, social impact, environmental sustainability and greater autonomy.
Across Africa, women already play a major role in entrepreneurship. Research shows that roughly one in four adult women on the continent runs a business, the highest rate of female entrepreneurship globally.
Women also account for about 58% of the self-employed population in Africa, while around 20% of working-age women in Sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in entrepreneurial activity.
Despite the progress, significant barriers remain. Women-owned small businesses worldwide face an estimated $1.7 trillion credit gap, and nearly 700 million women remain underserved by the financial sector.
Meanwhile, Jamil Ampomah, Director for Africa at ACCA, said the entrepreneurial drive is particularly visible among younger finance professionals on the continent.
“They see accountancy as more than a technical discipline — it is a launchpad for innovation, independence and impact,” he said.
Founded in 1904, ACCA supports more than 257,900 members and 530,100 future members in 180 countries, providing globally recognized qualifications and professional insights aimed at strengthening ethical leadership in finance and business.
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