Forty-six women-led businesses in Mongolia have been selected as beneficiaries of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, launched by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in 2024. The selected micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were announced at an event in Ulaanbaatar on 25 August in partnership with the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI). The call for applications in Mongolia drew 307 submissions, with 26 recipients receiving Booster grants and 20 receiving Discovery grants. Beneficiaries will receive targeted support to enhance their digital capabilities, financial readiness, and export potential.
The announcement coincided with the World Women Entrepreneurs Forum in Ulaanbaatar and marks the start of a 12-month programme for the selected MSMEs. Similar announcements are expected in other countries, with the Dominican Republic’s beneficiaries to be named shortly and Jordan preparing to launch its application process. Nigeria’s beneficiaries were announced on 14 August.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the transformative potential of digital trade for Mongolia, particularly as a landlocked developing country. She emphasized that women entrepreneurs must play a leading role in expanding access to international markets and fostering inclusive economic growth. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the ITC, praised the women entrepreneurs for their commitment and ingenuity, noting that their participation would inspire others to pursue digital business opportunities.
Mongolian Ambassador Gerelmaa Davaasuren reflected on Mongolia’s legacy of women leaders and stressed that the WEIDE Fund would empower women to drive economic growth, strengthen grassroots initiatives, and unlock the potential of entrepreneurs, farmers, educators, and changemakers across the country. MNCCI Secretary General Saruul Bulgan emphasized Mongolia’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive trade, noting that the initiative would enhance women’s participation in international trade while supporting national development goals.
As part of the programme, the selected MSMEs will participate in a two-day agenda that combines a high-level launch ceremony with in-person technical training and capacity-building sessions. The WEIDE Fund, supported by the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund, and the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a US$50-million initiative designed to help women-led MSMEs overcome barriers to trade through improved access to finance, digital skills, international markets, and support networks. Implementation in beneficiary countries will be supported by ProDominicana, the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), MNCCI, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
