The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key international partners for their support in launching the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a landmark initiative to empower Nigerian women entrepreneurs through digital innovation and global trade.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, the Minister described the WEIDE Fund as a strategic pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to position women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the forefront of international commerce.
“President Tinubu has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Nigerian women by ensuring their inclusion in global digital trade platforms,” she said. “Under his visionary leadership, women entrepreneurs are better equipped to innovate, expand, and compete internationally.”
Highlighting the role of women in Nigeria’s economy, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that women account for 43% of MSMEs and contribute over 23% to the national GDP, making them central to the country’s aspiration of achieving a $1 trillion economy.
She linked the WEIDE Fund to the Ministry’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Program (RH-SII), which provides digital tools, skills training, finance, and market access for women-led businesses.
The Minister expressed appreciation to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC); the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), headed by Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.
She also acknowledged the United Arab Emirates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund for their financial support.
Celebrating the inaugural beneficiaries of the WEIDE Fund, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described them as “innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of Nigeria’s ingenuity,” whose success reflects the transformative power of inclusive growth and women’s economic participation.
“Your success is a national victory that reaffirms the potential of women-led enterprises in shaping global trade,” she said.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, the Minister added: “We remain resolute in our mission to empower Nigerian women, break barriers, and drive inclusive prosperity.”
