…$50m support for women entrepreneurs
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has launched the first phase of its Women Exporters in Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund in Nigeria, with a commitment of $50 million to support women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Read also: FG kicks off WEIDE programme to empower 10,000 women exporters
Beneficiaries of the scheme
A total of 146 women entrepreneurs were selected for this phase. Sixteen “booster track” participants will each receive $30,000 and 18 months of technical support, while 130 others will access $5,000 each and a year of dedicated business support.
Partnerships and backing
The initiative, launched in Abuja, is jointly implemented by the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC). It aims to improve access to finance, build competitiveness, and connect women entrepreneurs to global markets. The fund is backed by the FIFA World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council also named as a partner.
Read also: FG rolls out national skills programme to equip 20 million youth for jobs by 2030
Leaders’ remarks
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, said the scheme supports the Renewed Hope Agenda to diversify the economy and tackle barriers such as poor finance and digital infrastructure. WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described Nigeria as a pilot country, while Trade Minister Dr Jumoke Oduwole said women have a “rightful place in the global digital marketplace.”
