WEIDE Fund Set to Empower Women Entrepreneurs Across Four Nations

• WEIDE Funding marks a significant step in empowering women exporters to foster international trade and digital growth
•  Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia, and Nigeria are the selected beneficiary countries.
• The initiative is set to empower 400 female entrepreneurs in its first phase

WEIDE Fund unveiled its selection of four pilot beneficiary countries, marking a significant step in empowering women exporters in the digital economy on March 7, 2025. Following a competitive selection process, organizations in the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia, and Nigeria have been chosen to empower women-led businesses to foster international trade and digital growth.

Driving the implementations of WEIDE Fund initiatives, ProDominicana, the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), will spearhead support programs in the selected beneficiary countries. In its first phase, the initiative is set to empower 400 female entrepreneurs setting a new benchmark aimed towards inclusive economic growth.

Women entrepreneurs will have access to two tailored track support. The Discovery Track: designed for micro and small businesses, focuses on strengthening digital capabilities, expanding networks, and improving market access with support spanning over a year. WEIDE Fund is set to allocate initial grants between US$2,000 and US$5,000 assisting selected enterprises, enabling investment in operational costs and critical equipment.

The Booster Track: designed for export-ready women-led SMEs, aims to accelerate market expansion by leveraging digital platforms. This 18-month program supports scaling export operations and global outreach. WEIDE Fund will allocate a grant up to US$ 30,000 to accelerate growth and market expansion.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: "As you all know, digital trade is the fastest-growing segment of global commerce, with trade in digitally delivered services reaching an astounding US$ 4.25 trillion in 2023. With digital trade, women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to leapfrog market barriers in a way that was impossible before. This fund represents a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, create jobs, and expand into international markets."

Launched at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, the WEIDE Fund was introduced by the WTO Secretariat and ITC in February 2024. It aims at strengthening women’s participation in global markets, drive economic expansion, and enhance financial independence. Driving digital transformation, the WEIDE Fund empowers women-led businesses through technology adoption and platform expansion. Till date, the initiative has garnered US$ 22 million in funding, aiming to scale up to US$ 50 million.