The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), has launched the $50 million Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund to boost women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in global trade.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, said the initiative would unlock opportunities for women to take their skills, innovations, and businesses to the international market.
The first phase will support 146 women entrepreneurs—16 in a “Booster Track” receiving up to $30,000 each and 18 months of technical assistance, and 130 in a “Discovery Track” receiving up to $5,000 and one year of business support.
Beneficiaries will gain training in digital marketing, export compliance, overcoming trade barriers, and connecting with investors.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described the fund as a tool to help women build sustainable enterprises, while Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole said it would enhance Nigeria’s digital trade capacity and global competitiveness.
NEPC Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, noted that Nigeria is the only African country selected for the pilot phase, stressing the importance of equipping women with digital skills to thrive in the modern global marketplace.
Beneficiaries pledged to use the platform to create jobs and mentor others.