The World Trade Organisation (WTO) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) has announced Nigeria, Jordan, Mongolia, and the Dominican Republic as beneficiaries of the $50m Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.
The WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the initiative would provide funding, training, and market access to assist women entrepreneurs to compete in the fast-growing digital economy.
Speaking in Abuja, the WTO DG said only 0.218 per cent representing 146 Nigerian women emerged from a pool of 67,000 applicants to receive grants aimed at scaling their digital economy businesses.
She said the beneficiaries were drawn from sectors including fashion, tourism, agriculture, information technology, and manufacturing, and will be trained to sell on global platforms, navigate export regulations, and connect with investors.
“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
Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, expressed confidence that the scheme would strengthen women’s participation in global trade and spur industrial growth.
“When channelled effectively, these funds will not only expand women’s participation in global markets but also propel 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.
Recall that in the first quarter of 2025, exports rose to N20.6tn, a 7.42 per cent increase from Q1 2024.
Europe was Nigeria’s top export destination in Q1 2025, receiving N8.64tn worth of goods, followed by Asia with N6.75tn and America with N3.33tn.
On imports, China remained Nigeria’s top partner with N4.66tn, followed by India at N1.72tn, the United States (N1.42tn), the Netherlands (N809.83bn), and the UAE (N617.18bn).
Within Africa, Angola, Togo, South Africa, Algeria, and Egypt were the main import sources.