21-24 July 2026
English-Speaking Africa
Nairobi
English
Digital transformation offers growth opportunities for African businesses, but women entrepreneurs still face obstacles to successfully grow their businesses. The eTrade for Women initiative, championed by the United Nations - Trade and Development (UNCTAD), invites women entrepreneurs in the digital and e-commerce sectors from 13 countries from English-speaking Africa to its Masterclass on 21-24 July 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The Masterclass is organized in partnership with Hilda Moraa, Founder and CEO of Pezesha, and eTrade for Women Advocate for the region.
Who can apply to the Masterclass?
In order to apply to the Masterclass, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You are a woman and you are the founder/co-founder of your business
- You have a track record of at least 3 years in this role
- New technologies and digital tools are at the heart of your business model and operations
- You are based in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
- You are making a difference and creating a positive impact on your community
Please note: Applicants who have previously participated in a MasterClass are not eligible to apply.
We strongly encourage candidates from indigenous communities, marginalized groups and persons with disabilities to apply, as we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Do you meet all these criteria? Join us and take a dive into the digital transformation!
APPLICATIONS CLOSEDThe Masterclass is free of charge. Financial support for travel and accommodation may be available for selected applicants.
Agenda
9:00–9:15
WELCOME by the eTrade for Women team
9:15–10:00
Ice-breaker - Let’s get to know each other!
10:00–10:30
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE MASTERCLASS
Opening remarks by:
- Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (video message)
- Representative of the Government of Kenya (TBC)
- Representative of the Government of The Netherlands (video message)
- Hilda Moraa, Founder and CEO of Pezesha, and eTrade for Women Advocate
10:30–11:00 Welcome coffee
11:00-11:30
Introduction to the Masterclass with the eTrade for Women team
11:30-12:30
SETTING THE SCENE: Leading with purpose: Navigating the entrepreneurial journey
- Hilda Moraa, Founder and CEO of Pezesha, and eT4W Advocate
12:30–14:00 Lunch break
14:00-15:30
LEARNING SESSION 1 (Part 1): From start-up to scale-up: Growing digital businesses
15:30-16:00 Coffee break
16:00-17:30
LEARNING SESSION 1 (Part 2). From start-up to scale-up: Growing digital businesses
17:30 End of Day 1
8:45–9:00
Welcome and introduction to Day 2 with the eTrade for Women team
9:00–10:30
LEARNING SESSION 2. (Part 1). Finance for growth: Navigating funding opportunities and investment options
10:30–11:00 Coffee break
11:00–12:15
LEARNING SESSION 2 (Part 2). Finance for growth: Pitch with confidence and capture investors' attention in 60 seconds
12:15–13:30 Lunch break
13:30-15:00
LEARNING SESSION 3. Networking for business growth: building strategic partnerships
15:00-15:30 Coffee break
15:30-17:00
LEARNING SESSION 4. Building a strong online presence: marketing, digital growth, customers acquisition
18:30-20:00 COCKTAIL RECEPTION (invitation only)
Hosted by UN Trade and Development
8:45–9:00
Welcome and introduction to Day 3 with the eTrade for Women team
09:00-10:30
LEARNING SESSION 5. Leveraging innovation and the use of Artificial Intelligence
10:30–11:00 Coffee break
11:00-12:15
Policy Dialogue: Building thriving and inclusive digital ecosystems in the subregion (speakers TBC)
- H.E. Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya
- Tabitha Kiriti-Nganga, School of Economics, University of Nairobi
- Hilda Moraa, CEO & Founder of Pezesha, and eTrade for Women Advocate for English-speaking Africa
- Muktar Abdullahi, General Manager of Operations and Customer Service, Post Kenya
12:15–13:45 Lunch break
13:45-17:45
Site visit to a digital company
17:45 End of Day 3
8 :45–9:00 Welcome and introduction to Day 4 with the eTrade for Women team
9:00–10:15
LEARNING SESSION 6: Understanding Intellectual Property for digital entrepreneurship
Session organized in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
10:15–10:30 Coffee break
10:30-12:00
How to pitch with confidence (follow up session)
12:00–13:15 Lunch break
13:15-14:15
Inspirational session with Hilda Moraa, CEO & Founder of Pezesha, and eTrade for Women Advocate for English-speaking Africa
14:15-15:30
The eTrade for Women Community
With eTrade for Women Community Leaders for English-speaking Africa
- Ingrid Aringaniza, CEO, 21st Century Sustainability Options Limited
- Nelly Nkwosseu, Founder and Creative Director, ByHerStore
- Titilayo Taiwo, Co-Founder and COO Terawork
15:30 – 15:45 Coffee break
15:45-17:00
Reflections and Feedback Session with the eTrade for Women Team
• Time to reflect on your key learnings and how to implement change in your business
• Feedback survey
• Closing remarks
• Certificates & group picture
17:00 End of the Masterclass
Nairobi Time (time zone calculator)
Hilda Moraa
VISIT HILDA'S PROFILE
