The Kingdom of Bahrain has contributed USD 200,000 to the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a global initiative aimed at strengthening the participation of women-led businesses in international trade. The contribution was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva on 29 September. The support underscores Bahrain’s commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment through digital trade and expanding opportunities for inclusive growth, particularly for women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The WEIDE Fund, jointly managed by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC), was launched in February 2024 during the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. With an overall goal of mobilizing USD 50 million, the Fund provides grants, mentorship, and access to global business networks, equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools needed to compete in digital and global markets.
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised Bahrain’s contribution as a clear sign of its commitment to building a more inclusive global trading system. ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton also emphasized that Bahrain’s support would enable more women to overcome barriers to market access while gaining essential skills and networks.
Representing Bahrain, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla highlighted that the contribution aligns with the country’s leadership vision under King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He noted that the initiative also reflects the dedication of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Women, to advancing women’s empowerment and digital innovation.
Since its launch, the WEIDE Fund has opened applications in countries including 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 turning the fund’s mission into tangible support for women in trade worldwide.
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