WEIDE: $50m WTO fund to benefit 146 Nigerian women entrepreneurs 

BY EMMANUEL OLUKOTUN 

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have launched a $50 million Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, with Nigeria as one of the first four countries alongside Jordan, Mongolia, and the Dominican Republic.

The programme, unveiled in Abuja by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is intended to assist female entrepreneurs compete in the fast-growing digital economy through funding, training, and market access.

The WTO DG said Nigeria is among four countries chosen as pilot nations, with 146 Nigerian women selected to receive grants for expanding their digital economy businesses.

“Nigeria is one of 4 countries that successfully competed to be a pilot country alongside Jordan, the Dominican Republic, and Mongolia. 146 Nigerian women were selected through a competitive process from 67,000 applicants to receive grants to expand their businesses in the digital economy,” she said

Those involved come from sectors such as fashion, tourism, agriculture, IT, and manufacturing, and will be trained to sell on global platforms, navigate export rules, and connect with investors.

Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, said he is confident the funds will boost Nigerian women’s participation in global markets and drive industrial growth.

“I am confident that these funds, when channelled effectively, will not only strengthen women’s participation in global markets but also propel industrial growth, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of female trailblazers.

“As a nation, we must continue to support, invest in, and celebrate the women who are building businesses, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of our economy,” he said.

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