The World Trade Organization and International Trade Centre have launched a $50 million fund targeting women entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Announced by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja, the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund names Nigeria alongside Jordan, Mongolia, and the Dominican Republic as pilot countries.
Nigeria secured its spot through a competitive process, with 146 Nigerian women selected from a staggering 67,000 applicants globally. These entrepreneurs will receive grants and comprehensive training to scale their digital businesses. “These women will gain the tools to expand,” Okonjo-Iweala stated, confirming the selections cover fashion, tourism, agriculture, IT, and manufacturing sectors.
Participants will learn how to sell effectively on global e-commerce platforms, master export regulations, and connect with potential investors. Imagine running a fashion business from Lagos and suddenly reaching customers in London or New York. That’s the opportunity this program aims to unlock for Nigerian women leading digital ventures.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, hailed the initiative as transformative. “This funding will strengthen women’s role in global markets, drive industrial growth, and foster innovation,” Enoh declared. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs breaking barriers and shaping the nation’s economic future.
The WEIDE Fund represents a significant investment in bridging the digital trade gap for women in key developing economies. Can this propel Nigerian businesses onto the world stage? The selected entrepreneurs now have a powerful platform to find out.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
