The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have launched the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a $50 million initiative aimed at propelling women-led businesses into the global digital marketplace. On August 14, 2025, Nigeria became a focal point for this groundbreaking program, with 146 women entrepreneurs selected to receive grants and support, marking the country’s strong representation among the pilot nations. This fund not only addresses longstanding barriers like limited access to finance and digital infrastructure but also aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda to diversify the economy and empower women.
The WEIDE Fund was officially unveiled in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, with the goal of empowering women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive in international trade through digitalization. It seeks to bridge critical gaps by providing flexible capital, enhancing digital skills and export competitiveness, connecting businesses to global e-commerce platforms, and fostering inclusive networks. Funded by contributions from the FIFA World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund, the Government of Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, the initiative initially targets $25 million before scaling to $50 million from public and private partners, including governments, development banks, and philanthropic foundations.
Pilot implementation focuses on four countries: Nigeria, Jordan, the Dominican Republic, and Mongolia, selected through a competitive process involving over 600 business support organizations. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), led by Executive Director Nonye Ayeni, played a pivotal role in securing participation. The fund’s activities are executed in partnership with local business support organizations (BSOs), with calls for MSME applications rolling out in phases.
The Nigerian launch took place in Abuja on August 14, 2025, drawing high-profile attendees including WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, representatives of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu (via Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President), Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and other key figures such as the Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala hailed the event as “a fantastic launch,” emphasizing how the fund will help women-owned enterprises scale in the digital space. She noted Nigeria’s economic stabilization under President Bola Tinubu and stressed the need for reliable electricity and affordable internet to fully digitize, pointing out Nigeria’s 45% internet penetration rate compared to the global average of 67%. Minister Oduwole described the project as “a global declaration that women are equal partners in the digital marketplace,” while the Comptroller-General pledged to streamline export processes for women entrepreneurs.
Social media buzzed with excitement, with posts highlighting the program’s potential to break barriers and create jobs. One user celebrated it as “the beginning of a new journey” for Nigerian women in global trade.
From over 67,000 applications by Nigerian women entrepreneurs, 146 were selected, exceeding the initial target of 100 due to the exceptional quality of submissions. These beneficiaries span diverse sectors, including agriculture, IT, fashion, hospitality, beauty, and manufacturing, reflecting the fund’s broad reach.
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Out of the 146 beneficiaries from Nigeria 16 will receive up to $30,000 each in 18 months, to scale up existing businesses, technical and business support to expand operations, create jobs, and boost income, while 130 will get to $5,000 each in months, to start up or strengthen businesses with dedicated business support.
This tailored approach ensures that women at different stages of business development receive appropriate resources to enhance their export potential and digital competitiveness.
The WEIDE Fund is poised to transform Nigeria’s digital trade landscape, where women entrepreneurs have historically faced hurdles in finance, networks, and infrastructure. By fostering job creation, household income growth, and global market access, it aligns with national priorities like economic diversification and women’s empowerment. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala urged beneficiaries to “dream bigger, scale higher, and go further,” framing the initiative as a “movement” for inclusive trade.
Looking ahead, the fund plans to expand calls for proposals to regions like Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa, with ongoing collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable outcomes. In Nigeria, inter-ministerial efforts will address infrastructure gaps, potentially unlocking the country’s share in the $4.25 trillion global digital trade market.
The launch of the WEIDE Fund in Nigeria represents a pivotal step toward gender-inclusive economic growth, empowering 146 women to lead in the digital economy. As these entrepreneurs leverage grants and support to innovate and export, the initiative could inspire similar programs worldwide, proving that investing in women is key to building resilient, prosperous societies. With strong backing from global and national leaders, Nigeria’s women exporters are set to shine on the international stage.
