csrreporters 
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has unveiled a $50 million global fund to support women entrepreneurs in digital trade, warning that global commerce is entering “extremely challenging times” marked by growing protectionism and unilateral trade actions.
The initiative, called the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, is a collaboration between the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC). It is designed to equip women-owned businesses in developing countries with the skills, resources, and networks needed to compete effectively in global digital value chains.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Okonjo-Iweala cautioned that Nigeria risks missing out on the opportunities of digital trade due to poor internet penetration. Only 45% of Nigerians have internet access, compared to the global average of 67%.
“No country can truly digitise without reliable electricity and affordable internet,” she said. “More than half of Nigerians remain offline, and this gap must be closed if we are to seize the benefits of digital trade.”
She highlighted that digital trade is the fastest-growing segment of global commerce, with digitally delivered services expanding from $1 trillion in 2005 to $4.25 trillion today. Yet, Africa’s share of this market remains under one percent.
Nigeria was chosen as one of only four pilot countries for the WEIDE Fund in 2024, alongside Jordan, Mongolia, and the Dominican Republic, following a competitive process involving over 600 business support organisations worldwide. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), led by Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, secured the country’s slot with what Okonjo-Iweala described as a “well-thought-out application.”
Over 67,000 Nigerian women entrepreneurs applied for the fund. Initially designed to support 100 businesses, the programme expanded to 146 beneficiaries due to the exceptional quality of entries. Sixteen entrepreneurs in the “Booster Track” will each receive up to $30,000 in funding, along with 18 months of technical assistance.
“This is not just a programme—it’s a movement,” Okonjo-Iweala declared. “We want women entrepreneurs not only surviving but thriving on the world stage.”
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