Digital Entrepreneurship and Gender‑Related Constraints in Marginalised Communities: Evidence from South‑South Nigeria

Purpose: This study examines the associations between digital literacy, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, and gender-related constraints and entrepreneurial performance in marginalised communities in South-South Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey of 380 entrepreneurs across six states was conducted using structured questionnaires. Multi-item Likert scales measured digital literacy, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, gender-related constraints, and entrepreneurial performance. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to assess the relationships among the variables while controlling entrepreneur and firm characteristics.

Findings: Digital literacy, financial inclusion, and digital infrastructure are positively and significantly associated with entrepreneurial performance. Financial inclusion exhibits the strongest association. Gender-related constraints are negatively associated with performance, indicating that perceived structural barriers remain relevant even when digital and financial resources are present.

Practical implications: The findings suggest that policies aimed at strengthening digital skills, expanding responsible financial inclusion, and improving digital infrastructure may support entrepreneurial outcomes in marginalised communities. Efforts to address persistent gender-related barriers remain important for ensuring inclusive digital entrepreneurship.

Originality/value: The study provides large-scale quantitative evidence from an under-researched sub-national region of Nigeria, applying established digital entrepreneurship constructs to a marginalised context and offering context-specific insights for policy and practice.