Amman: Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), in cooperation with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), on Thursday launched the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund to support women-led businesses in digital trade.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah stated that the fund's inauguration in Jordan is part of ongoing national efforts to enhance women's economic participation. Qudah highlighted the growing presence of women in the industrial and trade sectors, supported by targeted programs and initiatives. He emphasized the empowerment of women entrepreneurs as an economic necessity, noting that the fund represents a significant partnership between Jordan, the WTO, and ITC. This collaboration aims to promote inclusive trade and strengthen women's role in the national economy.
The fund is designed to support women-led enterprises by providing financial support combined with technical assistance. This approach aims to help these businesses overcome challenges, enhance competitiveness, and access international markets. Qudah reiterated the government's commitment to economic and legislative reforms to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those owned by women, to drive sustainable growth. The program, managed by the WTO Secretariat and ITC, was launched with participation from WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who joined virtually.
In addition, Dana Zoubi, the Ministry's Secretary-General and Acting CEO of JEDCO, stated that the program complements national efforts to advance digital transformation. She mentioned the "CLIQ" initiative, which aims to prepare micro, small, and SMEs to adopt digital tools and expand market access. Zoubi noted that selected businesses would receive nearly $2 million in combined financial and technical support, along with specialized training in business development, digital trade, financial management, and skills development.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the fund's rollout in Jordan, noting the role of digital trade in reshaping the global economy and expanding opportunities for women's participation, which is essential for inclusive growth and job creation. ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton added that the fund supports women-led businesses in leveraging digital trade opportunities through financing, capacity building, and skills development to expand access to new markets and buyers.
As part of the launch, selected businesses participated in a pitch competition, where the "Khayrat Al-Sahra" project won first place, securing participation in an international trade exhibition. A total of 46 women-led businesses were selected from 469 applications to benefit from the year-long program, aimed at strengthening their participation in global digital trade. Beneficiaries were divided into two tracks based on digital and export readiness, with 23 projects in each. The "Explore Track" targets early-stage businesses with grants of $5,000, while the "Boost Track" supports more advanced enterprises with grants of up to $30,000 to scale and expand internationally.
According to organizers, participants will receive integrated support, including technical assistance, mentoring, access to international business networks, and financial grants to enhance growth and expansion readiness.