Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria is making a bold move to position women at the forefront of international commerce. With the launch of the Women in Export Development Initiative (WEIDE), policymakers are betting that empowering female entrepreneurs will not only strengthen household incomes but also help the country tap into the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
At the official launch ceremony in Abuja, organized by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President described the scheme as “a beacon that will illuminate the path for thousands of Nigerian women entrepreneurs determined to take their rightful place on the global trade stage.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe WEIDE Fund, a US50 million program launched by the WTO and ITC, is designed to break down barriers faced by women exporters. It provides two levels of support: a Discovery track offering grants up to US5,000, and a Booster track with grants up to US$30,000, both coupled with technical assistance, mentoring, and access to new markets. According to the WTO, the pilot round drew roughly 67,000–68,000 applications, with only 146 beneficiaries selected for the inaugural Nigerian cohort.
“Women who trade internationally earn, on average, 2.8 times more than women who only sell locally,” WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said at the launch. “That’s a game-changer.”
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton reinforced this point, stressing that access to global markets transforms not just incomes but entire communities. “When women succeed in trade, their families, societies, and economies succeed,” she noted.
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Government officials framed WEIDE as central to Nigeria’s trade ambitions. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole highlighted Abuja’s target of bringing 3,000 women-led SMEs into export markets by 2027 and supporting 10,000 women-owned export businesses by 2030. NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni described the initiative as proof of Nigeria’s readiness to harness AfCFTA.
AfCFTA: A New Dawn for Africa’s Agribusiness Sector
Launched in 2019, with trading officially beginning on 1 January 2021, AfCFTA is reshaping the continent’s economic landscape. Bringing together 55 countries and a market of roughly 1.2–1.4 billion people with a combined GDP estimated at US$3–3.4 trillion, it is the world’s largest free trade area by membership.
For agriculture and agribusiness the backbone of many African economies the potential is profound. AfCFTA aims to phase out tariffs on about 90% of goods, streamline customs, harmonize food safety standards, and encourage value addition. Instead of exporting raw cocoa, African countries could ship finished chocolate. Instead of importing processed cassava starch, Nigeria could lead in supplying the continent.
The implications for women are significant. Many are smallholder farmers or small-scale processors who struggle under fragmented markets and non-tariff barriers. By lowering these hurdles, AfCFTA offers them unprecedented opportunities. “Greater market access and value addition can lift millions of women out of poverty and enhance food security,” the AfCFTA Secretariat has noted.
End Game
The Abuja launch of WEIDE isn’t just another policy rollout it’s a strategic move. By aligning women entrepreneurs with AfCFTA’s opportunities, Nigeria is not only empowering half its population but also positioning itself to reap the gains of continental integration.
Challenges remain: financing gaps, infrastructure bottlenecks, and lingering non-tariff barriers. But if effectively implemented, WEIDE could become the catalyst that helps Nigerian women scale their businesses across Africa and beyond.
The initiative answers a larger question by making clear that women’s economic empowerment is more than a social goal it’s an engine for trade growth, job creation, and regional competitiveness.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
