Bridging Barriers: Women’s Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region Amid Socioeconomic, Institutional, and Technological Challenges

This article explores the institutional, social, and technological factors influencing women’s entrepreneurship in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, drawing on 40 in-depth interviews with female entrepreneurs. Despite policy reforms under frameworks such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Morocco’s National Initiative for Human Development, women face structural impediments, including limited access to finance, restricted networks, and entrenched cultural norms. Guided by six theoretical frameworks—including Social Capital Theory and Gendered Entrepreneurship Theory—this study uncovers how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies offer emerging avenues for empowerment. Findings suggest that AI, coupled with gender-sensitive policies, can mitigate some barriers, though regional disparities remain pronounced. The article concludes with actionable recommendations for policy makers, financial institutions, and development organizations to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem across the MENA region.