Security crises and vulnerability of female entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa: what role can ICT play?

Purpose In this study, we examine how the impact of security crises on the vulnerability of female entrepreneurship varies according to the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) in sub-Saharan Africa. Design/methodology/approach Using data on a sample of 48 countries between 2008 and 2019, it first proposes a multidimensional index to measure the vulnerability of female entrepreneurship and then mobilises two estimators of the generalised method of moments (GMM). Findings It appears that security crises increase the vulnerability of female entrepreneurship; ICTs do not significantly reduce this vulnerability and that the use of ICTs mitigates the adverse effects of security crises. The results show that in countries where at least 42% of the population uses mobile, female entrepreneurs adapt better during security crises. The internet has beneficial and significant effects on mobility, type of work and financing but does not produce conclusive results overall. Originality/value Harnessing digital effectuation to analyse female entrepreneurship during security crises in sub-Saharan Africa.