The World Bank now tracks how many women start businesses in 117 countries

The World Bank has updated its global database on new businesses, now covering 188 countries. For the first time, it includes data on businesses started by women in 117 of those countries.

For years, economists and development agencies could only guess at the role women play in starting new businesses globally. This new dataset provides concrete numbers, allowing for more precise analysis of entrepreneurship trends. It means governments and aid organizations can now see where women are starting businesses and where they face barriers, making it possible to target support more effectively.