Key Points:
- Jordan WEIDE Fund empowers women entrepreneurs in digital trade.
- Grants & mentorship – Up to USD 30,000 with training and networking.
- Economic inclusion – Boosts women’s e-commerce and global trade participation.
Jordan has officially joined the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a global initiative jointly launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The program aims to strengthen the participation of women-led businesses in global digital trade.
With this inclusion, Jordanian women entrepreneurs now have access to financial grants and specialized technical support to enhance their digital trade capabilities. The Jordan WEIDE Fund aims to unlock global opportunities for women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), empowering them to expand beyond domestic markets.
The launch marks a strategic milestone for Jordan’s economic inclusion agenda, reflecting its efforts to boost women’s participation in e-commerce and international trade. The program will be implemented locally in partnership with the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), with the application window open from September 29 to October 26.
How the WEIDE Fund Supports Women in Digital Trade
Introduced during the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the Jordan WEIDE Fund is a USD 50 million initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs through digital trade. It offers two funding tiers: Discovery Grants of up to USD 5,000 for early-stage ventures and Booster Grants of up to USD 30,000 for businesses ready to scale up their digital export operations.
Beyond financial assistance, selected businesses gain access to mentorship programs, training, and global trade networks. These elements are designed to strengthen business sustainability, enhance visibility, and build the technical know-how required to compete internationally.
The program has already seen remarkable engagement in its pilot phase. Over 69,000 applications were received from women entrepreneurs across the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, and Nigeria, out of which 236 firms were selected for support. The growing participation highlights the global demand for inclusive programs that prioritize digital and trade readiness among women-led enterprises.
Driving Economic Inclusion and Digital Transformation in Jordan
The inclusion of Jordan in the WEIDE Fund marks a new era of economic empowerment for women-led enterprises in the country. The Jordan WEIDE Fund will enable women entrepreneurs to access new export markets, leverage e-commerce tools, and integrate into global value chains.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted that digital trade is redefining how businesses connect to global markets, and women must be at the forefront of this transformation. She emphasized that the WEIDE Fund reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring women have the knowledge, resources, and global linkages necessary to grow their ventures and contribute to their communities.
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton echoed this sentiment, highlighting that many women entrepreneurs face systemic barriers in accessing finance, technology, and trade networks. The WEIDE Fund addresses these gaps by combining financial grants with training and mentorship that prepare women-led businesses to compete in the global digital economy.
By joining this global initiative, Jordan positions itself as a regional leader in promoting women’s economic inclusion through technology and trade. The Jordan WEIDE Fund aligns with broader global goals of digital transformation, sustainability, and gender equality, paving the way for more inclusive growth in the digital economy.
