Bahrain has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth by contributing $200,000 to a global fund designed to boost female entrepreneurs in international digital trade.
The new contribution to the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund will enable more women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide to expand their digital and export skills, accessing grants, mentorship, and international business networks.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Bahrain at the WTO headquarters in Geneva.
The move underscores Bahrain’s leadership in fostering inclusive development, guided by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It also reflects the dedication of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Women president, to promoting women’s success in the digital economy.
Bahrain’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla said that the kingdom is “proud to contribute to the WEIDE Fund, reflecting Bahrain’s strong commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, advancing their participation in global trade, and supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
Launched in February 2024 with a $50 million target, the WEIDE Fund provides vital support to help women entrepreneurs leverage digital trade opportunities and compete in global markets. Application windows have already been opened in countries including the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, Nigeria, and Jordan, attracting thousands of applicants.
WTO director-general Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the support.
“This contribution from the Kingdom of Bahrain demonstrates a strong commitment to trade, empowering women entrepreneurs and ensuring they are equipped to seize the opportunities of digital trade,” she added.
ITC deputy executive director Dorothy Tembo added that Bahrain’s support is “timely and impactful”, helping to reach more women entrepreneurs facing barriers in accessing international markets.
Complementing this international push, the Digital Co-operation Organisation (DCO), of which Bahrain is a founding member, has announced the expansion of its transformative WE-Elevate programme across all member states.
WE-Elevate is a capacity-building initiative developed by the DCO to support female-led MSMEs transition from offline operations to online digital-first brands.
The programme, which combines online learning, mentoring, and access to global e-commerce platforms, is designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills, unlocking access to global e-commerce markets and scalable growth.
Announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, the expansion is expected to bolster the role of female-led MSMEs in driving job creation and contributing to national GDP.
DCO secretary-general Deemah AlYahya highlighted the significance of the programme, stating, “WE-Elevate goes beyond being just a programme; it is a catalyst for empowerment and opportunity. By providing women with the skills, digital tools, and support to thrive in the online economy, we are strengthening the foundations for more inclusive, resilient, and innovative member state economies.”
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