Jordan launches WEIDE fund to boost women-led digital exports

Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), in partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), on Thursday launched the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund in Amman to support women-led businesses in digital trade. The programme, managed by the WTO Secretariat and ITC, will provide nearly $2 million in combined financial and technical support to 46 selected women-led enterprises drawn from 469 applications, offering grants, training and market access over a year-long programme.

"Women’s presence in the industrial and trade sectors is steadily growing," said Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah at the launch, framing the fund as part of "ongoing national efforts to enhance women’s economic participation."

Programme design and support

JEDCO’s Acting CEO and the Ministry's Secretary-General Dana Zoubi said the WEIDE Fund complements national digital transformation efforts and highlighted the recently launched CLIQ initiative aimed at readying micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt digital tools and expand market access. Zoubi stated that selected businesses will receive nearly $2 million in "combined financial and technical support," plus specialized training encompassing business development, digital trade, financial management and skills development.

• Management and partners: Fund managed by the WTO Secretariat and ITC; WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala participated virtually in the launch.
• Beneficiaries: 46 women-led businesses were selected from 469 applications and divided into two tracks based on digital and export readiness.
• Tracks and funding: The Explore Track targets early-stage businesses with grants of $5,000 (23 projects); the Boost Track supports more advanced enterprises with grants of up to $30,000 (23 projects).
• Support package: Integrated technical assistance, mentoring, access to international business networks, financial grants, and specialized training over a year-long programme.
• Awards: The "Khayrat Al-Sahra" project won the pitch competition at the launch and secured participation in an international trade exhibition.

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton underlined the fund’s objectives, saying it supports "women-led businesses in leveraging digital trade opportunities through financing, capacity building, and skills development to expand access to new markets and buyers." Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the rollout in Jordan and noted that digital trade is reshaping the global economy and expanding opportunities for women’s participation, which she tied to inclusive growth and job creation.

Outlook

Organisers say the WEIDE Fund is intended as a "practical" tool to combine financial backing with technical assistance so women entrepreneurs can overcome barriers, enhance competitiveness and access international markets. The initiative aligns with government pledges to continue economic and legislative reforms to support SMEs, particularly those owned by women, as part of efforts to drive sustainable growth. Over the next year, the 46 beneficiaries will be monitored for progress in digital export readiness, with the Boost Track recipients expected to scale activities internationally using grants of up to $30,000 and the Explore Track recipients to build foundational digital trade capabilities with $5,000 grants.