Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan: A Gateway to Economic Independence

The Women Entrepreneurship Development Center in Almaty, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank, is making significant progress in providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned by women in Kazakhstan. With women constituting approximately 43% of all SMEs in the country, the center plays a crucial role in offering tailored training, mentorship, and networking programmes to empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Launched in October 2021, the center has achieved remarkable success in its mission to assist women entrepreneurs. It currently operates under the umbrella of Atameken, Kazakhstan’s National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and has expanded to establish 20 centres across all regions of the country. Through these efforts, the center has already provided training and networking opportunities to approximately 7,000 women in Kazakhstan, with the aim of reaching over 15,000 women entrepreneurs by 2025.

One successful example is that of Kamila, a 37-year-old resident of Almaty and mother of three, who discovered her passion for upcycling after years of prioritising parenting. When she decided to enter the world of entrepreneurship, she faced challenges in effectively managing her upcycling business. However, with the support of the Women Entrepreneurship Development Center, she was able to improve her business acumen, expand her client base, and increase her profitability.

Through personalised mentoring, Kamila gained valuable insights into reaching corporate clients, restructuring her financial business model, and implementing effective marketing strategies. The center also provided her with a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering an environment for sharing experiences and ideas.

Kamila’s success story is evidence of the positive impact of the ADB-funded centers, which has led the Kazakh government to allocate $6 million from the national budget for the next three years to further support the initiative. ADB Country Director for Kazakhstan, Nariman Mannapbekov, highlighted the importance of investing in women’s entrepreneurship, stating that it is crucial for promoting gender equality and empowering women as agents of change.

The initiative not only serves as a platform for economic empowerment but also as a catalyst for promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive society. By investing in the potential of women entrepreneurs, the Women Entrepreneurship Development Center is paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for women in Kazakhstan.