The Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, launched in February 2024 at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, is a $50 million initiative jointly funded and managed by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The Fund provides grants, mentorship, and access to international business networks, enabling women entrepreneurs to leverage digital trade opportunities and compete in global markets.
Bahrain has contributed $200,000 to the WEIDE Fund, demonstrating its commitment to empowering women in trade. WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that Bahrain’s support helps build a more inclusive global trading system, enabling women-led businesses to innovate, grow, and create jobs. ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo noted that the contribution will expand the Fund’s reach to more women entrepreneurs, particularly those facing barriers to accessing international markets, by providing funding, skills, and networks essential for success in the digital economy.
H.E. Mr. Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla, Bahrain’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, emphasized that the contribution reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, inclusive development, and sustainable growth. The initiative aligns with the vision of Bahrain’s leadership and the dedication of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa to support women entrepreneurs in thriving within the digital economy.
The WEIDE Fund has already launched application windows in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, Nigeria, and Jordan, attracting thousands of women entrepreneurs. Contributions from partners such as the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund, and now Bahrain are helping transform this global vision into tangible results for women in international trade.
