La Paz, Bolivia – On International Women's Day, the Plurinational Service of Commercial Registry (Seprec) released data highlighting the increasing role of women in Bolivia's economy. As of February 2025, 125,698 formal businesses in Bolivia are owned and operated by women. This represents 13% of all registered businesses in the country, showcasing a substantial female presence in the national economy.

The Seprec report indicates that La Paz leads the way with 38,585 women-led businesses, followed closely by Santa Cruz with 38,106, and Cochabamba with 21,084. This distribution reflects the concentration of economic activity in these major urban centers.

Álvaro Sepúlveda, director of Seprec, emphasized the significance of these figures, stating, "These data reflect a sustained growth of women in the Bolivian business sector and their invaluable contribution to the country's economic development. At Seprec, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of women and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their active participation in the business sector."

The report also sheds light on the preferred legal structures chosen by women entrepreneurs. Sole proprietorships are the most popular, accounting for 84.1% of women-owned businesses, providing a straightforward and accessible entry point for many. Limited liability companies represent the second most common structure, at 15.2%.

Further evidence of this upward trend can be seen in the registration of new businesses. In the first two months of 2025, Seprec registered 2,639 new economic units, with 1,004 (38%) of those being women-owned. This demonstrates a strong and growing interest among women in establishing and formalizing their businesses.

This surge in female entrepreneurship is not unique to Bolivia. According to a 2023 report by the World Bank, women own an estimated 30% of all formal businesses worldwide. However, women in developing economies often face greater challenges in accessing finance, markets, and business networks. Bolivia's Seprec is actively working to address these challenges and create a more supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.

Initiatives such as workshops, training programs, and streamlined registration processes are being implemented to empower women and facilitate their participation in the formal economy. Additionally, Seprec is collaborating with other government agencies and organizations to provide access to funding and mentorship opportunities.

The increasing presence of women in Bolivia's business sector is a positive sign for the country's economic future. By fostering a more inclusive and equitable business environment, Bolivia can unlock the full potential of its female entrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic growth.

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