Entrepreneurial Competencies of Successful Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs and Their Impact on Poverty Alleviation

The growth of indigenous women entrepreneurs has garnered the interest of both businesses and academics due to its role in poverty alleviation. This chapter aims to assess Ghanaian IWEs’ entrepreneurial competencies needed for their success and the impact of their success on poverty alleviation. The study uses a qualitative approach to the collection and analysis of data. An interview guide was used to collect data from 27 indigenous women entrepreneurs and 80 poor persons who have benefited from the support provided by indigenous women entrepreneurs. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that indigenous women entrepreneurs measured success using both objective and subjective indicators. Indigenous women entrepreneurs’ success depended on five entrepreneurial competencies—strategic, commitment, relationship, personal and resilience competencies. With their successful operations, indigenous women entrepreneurs can promote poverty alleviation by providing financial, economic, and social resources. The chapter ended with recommendations for policymakers, indigenous women entrepreneurs and areas for future studies.