By Ukoko Ogheneyoleme
146 women-led Businesses across the country were amongst the latest beneficiaries of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a program empowering women-led businesses with training and grants.
A total of 67,000 competitive women-led businesses applied globally, while 146 beneficiaries were selected of the newly launched Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.
This initiative, created by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Center (ITC), is a $50 million program designed to empower women-led businesses through training and grants.
With Nigeria chosen as the only African country and of just four selected worldwide.
The announcement emphasized the success of the Edo Licensed Exporters Cluster, with Coordinator Mrs. Rhona Peters expressing gratitude for the cluster’s representation in the WEIDE Fund initiative. The success of Amineru Nigeria Limited and Royal Winosa Industries Limited from the cluster was attributed to hard work and the acquisition of relevant certifications that enhance digital visibility and ensure quality assurance.
“Let us strive diligently to ensure that more of our cluster members gain access to upcoming opportunities,” affirmed Peters, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering growth among women entrepreneurs in the region. This collaborative spirit is vital for leveraging emerging opportunities.
The Managing Director of Royal Winosa Industries Limited, Mrs. Stella Ereyukomhen, shared her excitement and gratitude for the funding opportunity. She excelled during a mini-pitch presentation after receiving essential application guidance from the Edo Licensed Exporters Cluster. Mrs. Ereyukomhen credited Mrs. Peters for her unwavering support of women entrepreneurs and highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating growth opportunities for women-led businesses in Edo State.
This success underscores the commitment and hard work within the cluster, particularly in obtaining relevant certifications to boost digital visibility and quality assurance.
The groundbreaking Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund was officially launched by WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja on August 14, 2025, in collaboration with the ITC. According to Okonjo-Iweala, this initiative aims to provide women-led Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the resources, training, and capital necessary for success in global trade.
Sixteen of the women-led businesses selected, are the booster track and will each receive up to $30,000, while 130 entrepreneurs will be included in the discovery track, each set to receive $5,000.
Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and “the SheTrades Champion,” Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, reiterated that the initiative would enhance digital literacy and e-commerce capabilities among women-led businesses, facilitating access to finance.
CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotions Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, described the WEIDE Fund as a vital bridge connecting traditional industries to the global market, reaffirming NEPC’s commitment to ensuring the success of this noble initiative.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Blossom Aruedoghene Pogbe, Managing Director of Pison Tipping Point Limited (Blossom Foods) in Lagos State, expressed her gratitude for being among the 146 beneficiaries. After making numerous attempts to secure funding for her business, she emphasized the transformative potential of the grant and the importance of perseverance. “Keep pushing forward,” she advised, “as at the right moment, the fruits of your labor will become visible to all.”
As the WEIDE Fund launches, it promises to be a significant step toward empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond, marking a powerful move for gender equality within global trade.