Policy Narrative in Entrepreneurship Performance: A West African Perspective

The specific role of public policy in shaping entrepreneurship performance in West Africa, drawing on the historical, socio-economic, and institutional dynamics driving outcomes between Anglophone and Francophone countries, informs this study. Precisely, it illustrates how policy frameworks in areas such as macroeconomic stability and gender-based policies have transformational effects on developing entrepreneurial activity and innovation. Policies which are more decentralised, flexible in Anglophone countries will lead to high entrepreneurial involvement compared to more rigidly structured systems in Francophone countries. The colonial legacy has carried over to the current policy orientations and carries implications for economic dynamism and regional integration efforts. Comparative data show that there are disparities in entrepreneurship outcomes: 25% of the total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) rate in Anglophone countries, against 15% in Francophone regions, underlines differences in access to capital, infrastructure, and regulatory environments. Policy instruments play a very important role in ensuring inclusivity and innovation-fiscal policy, monetary policy, and gender mainstreaming. However, systemic barriers, especially for women entrepreneurs, require more targeted interventions. The recommendations include regional collaboration, harmonisation of monetary policies, human capital development, and an improved entrepreneurial environment. The findings call for sensitive, context-specific public policies that may induce sustainable economic development in West Africa by recognising entrepreneurship as a driver of growth and inclusiveness.