To mark the upcoming International Women's Day on 8 March, the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund on 6 March announced its plans to disburse US$ 1.76 million in grants in the first quarter of 2026 to benefit 219 women-led enterprises in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia and Nigeria. The first disbursement sets in motion the innovative design of the WEIDE Fund, which introduces a new model of grant financing supported by technical assistance and exposure to a multistakeholder ecosystem for enterprises.

A total of 152 "Discovery Grants" and the first tranche of 67 "Booster Grants" will provide women entrepreneurs with working capital, business coaching, e-commerce training and other skills. Discovery Grants provide up to US$ 5,000 to early-stage micro and small businesses exploring digital trade opportunities, while the first tranche of Booster Grants will provide US$ 15,000 of the total sum worth up to US$ 30,000 to each of the export-ready enterprises seeking to scale up their activities. The first round of funding is being allocated as follows:

• Nigeria: 141 women-led businesses (124 Discovery Grants and 17 Booster Grants)
• Mongolia: 45 women-led businesses (19 Discovery Grants and 26 Booster Grants)
• Dominican Republic: 33 women-led businesses (9 Discovery Grants and 24 Booster Grants)

World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: "This is an exciting milestone that brings to life our aspirations to unlock the benefits of digital trade for more women. We must ensure that women are not left behind but are fully included in this transformative opportunity."

International Trade Centre Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: "These grants directly tackle the single greatest barrier women entrepreneurs face - access to finance. We look forward to hearing the stories of women using the grants to scale up in the digital economy."

A beneficiary from the Dominican Republic, Yluminada Ortega, CEO of Cacao Florencio Ortega said: "The support from the WEIDE Fund has made a real difference for our company and for me as an entrepreneur. The trainings have helped us grow and improve our work, and connecting with other women pursuing their dreams has been invaluable and inspiring. With the funds we received, we will be able to invest in new equipment to strengthen our project and create a positive impact in our community."

This first disbursement forms part of Phase I, under which a total grants package of US $3.76 million has been allocated. A second round of disbursements will take place in the second quarter to include 46 women-led businesses in Jordan (23 Discovery Grants and 23 Booster Grants) and to release the second part of the Booster Grants to the beneficiaries in the Dominican Republic, Nigeria and Mongolia.

The implementation of the WEIDE Fund in the four countries is in partnership with four business support organizations:  ProDominicana, the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The disbursements represent tangible support for women entrepreneurs, translating the WEIDE Fund's commitments to economic empowerment into concrete action.

The grants complement ongoing technical assistance, mentorship, and access to international business networks, helping women entrepreneurs strengthen their digital, managerial and export capabilities. The combined package is designed to enhance competitiveness and enable women-led businesses to expand in international markets through digital trade.

Launched in 2024 by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre, the WEIDE Fund addresses persistent barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing finance, digital tools and global trade opportunities. The WEIDE Fund is supported by the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022T Legacy Fund and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

More information on the WEIDE Fund can be accessed here.