WTO-ITC 2025 Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund for Women-Led Enterprises in Cape Verde

The digital economy presents unprecedented opportunities for business growth and expansion, especially for companies led by women. Recognising this potential, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) launched the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, an ambitious initiative that aims to empower and support women entrepreneurs in developing countries, including Cape Verde. This article explores WEIDE 2025, its objectives, potential benefits for Cape Verdean women-led businesses and how companies can prepare to take advantage of this opportunity.

What is the WEIDE Fund and Why is it Important for Cape Verde?

WEIDE is a global fund designed to provide financial and technical support to women-led businesses looking to expand their operations in the international market through the digital economy. The fund recognises that women entrepreneurs often face additional barriers, such as limited access to finance, support networks and technical expertise. WEIDE aims to overcome these barriers by promoting gender equality and inclusive economic growth.

For Cape Verde, WEIDE represents a crucial opportunity:

• Diversifying the economy by encouraging the export of digital products and services.
• Empowering women entrepreneurs, creating jobs and income.
• Increasing the competitiveness of Cape Verdean companies on the global market.
• Promoting innovation and the adoption of digital technologies.

WEIDE's Potential Benefits for Cape Verdean Companies

Companies led by women in Cape Verde that qualify for WEIDE can benefit in several ways:

Access to finance

WEIDE offers grants and loans at favourable interest rates to help companies finance their digital export activities. This funding can be used for:

• Developing e-commerce platforms.
• Invest in digital marketing and online advertising.
• Adapting products and services for international markets.
• Train employees in digital skills.

Technical Assistance and Mentoring

In addition to funding, WEIDE offers technical assistance and specialised mentoring to help companies overcome the challenges of digital export. This can include:

• Advice on digital marketing strategies.
• Support for the creation of export business plans.
• Training in international negotiation skills.
• Access to networks and business partners.

Visibility and Recognition

Participating in WEIDE can increase the visibility and recognition of Cape Verdean companies on the global market. The fund promotes beneficiary companies through its communication channels and events, helping them to attract new clients and investors.

Success stories and case studies

Although WEIDE 2025 is a recent initiative, there are examples of similar programmes that have demonstrated the positive impact of supporting women entrepreneurs in the digital economy. For example, the ITC's "SheTrades" programme has helped thousands of women around the world to expand their businesses through e-commerce and digital technology. In countries such as Kenya and Nigeria, companies led by women who have participated in SheTrades have experienced a significant increase in their sales and profits.

In Cape Verde, we can imagine a local handicraft company led by a woman who, with the support of WEIDE, manages to set up an online shop and start exporting her products to other countries. Or a software company led by a woman who, with funding from WEIDE, manages to develop an innovative app and sell it to customers all over the world.

How to Prepare for WEIDE 2025

To maximise their chances of success in applying to WEIDE 2025, women-led businesses in Cape Verde should start preparing now. This includes:

• Develop a solid business plan that demonstrates the company's digital export potential.
• Investing in digital skills, both for the owner and her employees.
• Build a strong online presence, including a professional website and social media profiles.
• Researching international markets and identifying export opportunities.
• Establish partnerships with other companies and organisations that can provide support and resources.

Relevant statistics for Cape Verde

According to recent data, women-led businesses in Cape Verde represent a significant portion of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. However, they often face greater challenges than men in terms of access to finance and markets. WEIDE can help level the playing field, enabling women entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.

A recent World Bank study revealed that women-led businesses in Cape Verde have a positive impact on social and economic development, creating jobs and promoting gender equality. By supporting these companies, WEIDE can contribute to a more prosperous and inclusive future for Cape Verde.

Conclusion

The WTO-ITC 2025 Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund represents a unique opportunity for women-led companies in Cape Verde to expand their business into the global market. By providing access to financing, technical assistance and visibility, WEIDE can help overcome the barriers women entrepreneurs face and promote inclusive economic growth. Cape Verdean companies should prepare now to take advantage of this opportunity by developing solid business plans,

Apply for the WTO-ITC 2025 Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund (WEIDE)! [Read more](https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/womenandtrade_e/weide_e.htm).