Forty-six women-led businesses in Jordan to benefit from WEIDE digital trade programme

(Amman) - Forty-six women-led businesses in Jordan have been selected as beneficiaries of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund to begin a year-long programme to strengthen their participation in international trade. The announcement was made in Amman on 23 April at a launch event hosted by the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), WEIDE's partner business support organization in the country.

The beneficiaries were selected from 469 applicants in Jordan and will receive tailored support through the integrated approach of the WEIDE Fund. The programme combines technical assistance, mentorship and access to international business networks, with financial support.

World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, joining the event online, said: 'I am delighted to see the WEIDE Fund making an impact as it begins implementation in its fourth country, Jordan. Digital trade is reshaping the global economy and creating new pathways for women entrepreneurs to participate in international trade. Ensuring women's participation is essential for inclusive growth and the creation of even more jobs.

ITC Executive Director Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: 'Through the WEIDE Fund, we're equipping women-led businesses across Jordan to tap into opportunities in digital trade, so that they not only gain access to finance but also the digital and business skills they need to make the best use of those grants, to grow and find new buyers.

H.E. Yarub Qudah, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply of Jordan, said: 'The launch of the WEIDE Fund in Jordan comes within the framework of ongoing national efforts to enhance women's economic participation. Empowering women entrepreneurs is no longer an option, but has become an economic necessity, and this Fund contributes to the promotion of inclusive trade, strengthening the role of women in the national economy.

Dana AlZoubi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation, said: 'The programme complements JEDCO's efforts to support digital transformation. The beneficiaries in Jordan will receive technical support, training, and grants, for a total amount of USD 1.4 million for the programme.

The day before the launch event, beneficiaries took part in in-person training, which provided an overview of the key topics that will be covered over the 12-month programme: business development, digital trade, financial management, and soft skills.

As part of the launch event, selected women-led businesses took part in a mini pitch competition. Ms. Hanan Aqeel, Manager of Khayrat Alsahra won the competition, securing participation in an international trade fair.

Beneficiaries are categorized into two tracks based on their level of digital and export readiness. The Discovery Track supports early-stage businesses in building foundational digital skills and understanding e-commerce opportunities, while the Booster Track is designed for more advanced businesses ready to scale their digital presence and expand into global markets. Businesses in the Discovery Track receive grants of $5,000, while those in the Booster Track can access grants of up to $30,000 to implement their growth plans.

Note for the editor

About the WEIDE Fund - 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 Fund is supported by the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund and the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is currently being implemented in four countries, 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).

For more information, visit wto.org/weidefund

About the International Trade Centre - ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on X | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Flickr

Media contact

Share this article