By Onilede Titi Faith
The World Trade Organization (WTO), has launched the Nigerian phase of its Women Exporters in Digital Economy (WEIDE), Fund, a $50 million initiative to boost women-led businesses in global e-commerce.
In this first phase, 146 Nigerian entrepreneurs will benefit. Sixteen “booster track” participants will each get $30,000 and 18 months of technical support, while 130 others will receive $5,000 and a year of tailored business assistance to scale operations and access international markets.
The WEIDE Fund, run in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), aims to strengthen women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), through access to finance, competitiveness training, and integration into global value chains.
At the Abuja launch, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Vice President’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima hailed the programme as aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda on economic diversification and women’s empowerment.
She said it tackles barriers like poor access to finance, networks, and digital infrastructure.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said Nigeria’s selection as a pilot country highlights both its digital trade potential and the determination of its women entrepreneurs.
Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole called it a global statement that women are equal players in the digital marketplace.
Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi also pledged to fast-track export processes for women-led businesses.
The WEIDE Fund, supported by the FIFA World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund and the governments of Bahrain and the UAE, was first unveiled in Abu Dhabi in February 2024 to bridge digital trade gaps and expand opportunities for women worldwide.
