WTO powers $50m digital trade for women in Nigeria

By Kunle Sanni

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has launched the Nigerian phase of its Women Exporters in Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a $50 million initiative to support women entrepreneurs in digital trade.

At the launch held Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, joined WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to unveil the programme, which will provide grants and business support to 146 Nigerian women.

Under the scheme, 16 “booster track” participants will each receive $30,000 and 18 months of technical support, while 130 others will get $5,000 each alongside a year-long business development programme.

Senator Tinubu said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by tackling barriers that have long prevented women-led enterprises from scaling.

“This programme addresses critical issues such as limited access to finance, networks, and digital infrastructure, which have hindered women from reaching their full potential,” she said, commending WTO and its partner, the International Trade Centre (ITC), for creating a pathway for Nigerian women to compete globally.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala noted that Nigeria’s selection as a pilot country demonstrates both its economic potential and commitment to women’s empowerment.

“Women-led MSMEs are vital to the digital economy. This fund will build competitiveness, enhance market access, and provide the resources needed to succeed beyond borders,” she said.

Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole described the WEIDE Fund as “a declaration that women are equal partners in the digital marketplace, not mere spectators.”