Amman, April 23 (Petra) -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.
Talking at the launching ceremony, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah said the fund’s inauguration in Jordan comes as part of ongoing national efforts to enhance women’s economic participation.
Qudah noted women’s presence in the industrial and trade sectors is "steadily growing ," backed by targeted programs and initiatives.
Noting empowerment of women entrepreneurs as a current economic necessity, he said the fund reflects an "advanced" level of partnership between Jordan, the WTO, and ITC.
He said this collaboration will help promote inclusive trade and strengthen women’s role in the national economy.
He stated the fund provides a "practical" tool to support women-led enterprises by combining financial support with technical assistance, enabling them to overcome challenges, enhance competitiveness, and access international markets.
He 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 the participation of WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who joined virtually.
Meanwhile, the Ministry's Secretary-General and Acting CEO of JEDCO Dana Zoubi said the program complements national efforts to advance digital transformation.
She highlighted the recently launched "CLIQ" initiative, aimed at enhancing the readiness of micro, small, and SMEs to adopt digital tools and expand market access.
Zoubi said selected businesses will receive nearly $2 million in combined financial and technical support, alongside specialized training in business development, digital trade, financial management, and skills development.
In turn, Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the fund’s rollout in Jordan, noting digital trade is reshaping the global economy and expanding opportunities for women’s participation, which is key to inclusive growth and job creation.
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said 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, as "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.
//Petra// NQ
