Call for Applications Launched for Support to Women Exporters
Beyond financial support, the WEIDE Fund provides technical assistance, mentorship, and access to international business networks.
Pathway News Report
May 14, 2025
The WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund has launched its first call for applications on 22 April, inviting women-led businesses in select countries to apply for funding and technical support aimed at boosting their digital and export capabilities. An application period for Jordan is expected to follow shortly.
A joint initiative by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), the WEIDE Fund is backed by a USD 50 million commitment to empower women entrepreneurs and help them succeed in global markets through the use of digital tools and platforms.
WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the significance of providing inclusive access to digital trade opportunities, stating, “Digital trade is reshaping the global economy. Women — including those in developing countries — must be at the forefront. The WTO-ITC WEIDE Fund is about powering growth, innovation and job creation. It reflects the WTO’s broader commitment to sustainable and inclusive re-globalization, where no one is left behind”.
The fund offers two types of grants:
- Discovery Grant: Up to USD 5,000, designed for early-stage businesses exploring digital trade opportunities.
- Booster Grant: Up to USD 30,000, for businesses prepared to expand their digital presence and enter global markets.
[ Also Read: Pathway Small Business Bulletin May 2025 ]
Beyond financial support, the WEIDE Fund provides technical assistance, mentorship, and access to international business networks. The initiative seeks to enhance the long-term competitiveness and resilience of women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in or ready to engage in e-commerce, online services, or other forms of digital trade.
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasised the importance of removing barriers for women in global trade. She noted, “ITC is committed to breaking barriers for women exporters and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in the digital economy. The WTO-ITC WEIDE Fund is an opportunity for women-led businesses to access not only funding but also the expertise and networks critical for long-term success”.
The WEIDE Fund previously announced the selection of four pilot beneficiary countries on 7 March: the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia, and Nigeria. Business support organizations in these nations were chosen through a competitive call for proposals to implement programmes helping women entrepreneurs grow their businesses through international trade and digitalization.
To be eligible for support, women-led businesses must be registered and operational in the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia, or Nigeria. They should be export-ready and keen to engage in digital trade, as well as able to demonstrate potential for business growth and job creation.
The application period runs from 22 April to 18 May 2025 for the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, and Nigeria. Applications from Jordan will be accepted at a later stage.
In each country, the WEIDE Fund is collaborating with local business support organizations (BSOs) to enhance outreach and local engagement. These partners include ProDominicana in the Dominican Republic, the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) in Jordan, the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) in Mongolia, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Nigeria.
The WEIDE Fund is made possible through the support of the United Arab Emirates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund.
