IGAD Offers Free Digital Trade Training for Women & Youth Entrepreneurs in East Africa

IGAD Offers Free Digital Trade Training for Women and Youth Entrepreneurs in East Africa

The digital economy is rapidly changing how businesses operate and reach customers. For women and youth entrepreneurs in East Africa, embracing digital trade is key to unlocking new markets and growing their businesses. Recognizing this, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is launching a fully sponsored regional training and mentorship program focused on gender-sensitive digital trade. This initiative aims to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the essential skills needed to succeed in the online marketplace.

This program, part of the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project, will run from July to December 2026 across several IGAD Member States. It is specifically designed to address the challenges women and youth entrepreneurs face, such as limited digital literacy and financial inclusion, which often hinder their participation in digital trade. By providing specialized training and ongoing mentorship, IGAD seeks to empower these entrepreneurs to access regional and global markets and benefit from opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

About IGAD and the HDMI Project

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a regional organization dedicated to fostering peace, security, economic integration, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa and East Africa. The Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project, in its first phase, is managed by IGAD’s Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division. This project operates in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan, with the overarching goal of creating a more connected and inclusive digital market across the IGAD region.

The HDMI Project supports various aspects of digital market development, including digital trade systems, e-commerce growth, cybersecurity, digital transactions, data protection, cross-border digital services, innovation ecosystems, and digital entrepreneurship. These efforts align with major continental and regional strategies such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), IGAD Vision 2050, and the IGAD Strategy 2026-2030. IGAD highlights that digital transformation can significantly create jobs for women and youth, expand market access, support entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness, promote innovation, strengthen regional integration, and improve trade efficiency.

Why This Training Programme Matters

Digital trade is quickly becoming a major driver of economic growth in Africa. Businesses that effectively use e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, online marketing, and mobile money are finding it easier to reach wider markets and achieve greater economic success. However, many women and youth entrepreneurs still encounter significant hurdles. These include a lack of digital literacy, limited access to digital platforms, financial exclusion, insufficient market information, and a lack of knowledge about cross-border trade opportunities.

The IGAD Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade Programme is directly targeting these issues. It aims to build the practical skills and confidence of MSMEs in managing their businesses online. By providing relevant training and support, the program helps entrepreneurs overcome common obstacles and compete more effectively in the digital economy.

Programme Objectives

The main goals of this training program are to:

• Strengthen the digital trade capabilities of women and youth-led MSMEs.
• Encourage greater participation of women in digital economies.
• Improve access to digital financial services for entrepreneurs.
• Support businesses in engaging with e-commerce platforms.
• Enhance financial literacy and business management skills.
• Expand market access for MSMEs, both regionally and internationally.
• Facilitate the inclusion of MSMEs in AfCFTA trade opportunities.
• Develop strong, sustainable entrepreneur networks across the region.

Training Structure and Format

The program will use a blended learning approach, combining in-person workshops with online mentorship. This hybrid format is designed to offer both intensive practical learning and ongoing support.

In-Person Training Workshops

Participants will attend a three-day workshop in their respective countries. These workshops will be led by trained Gender Champions using the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology. The in-person sessions are structured to encourage active participation, provide practical learning experiences, offer real-time feedback, and build hands-on skills. They also serve as a platform for peer learning and networking among entrepreneurs. Participants will receive practical guidance on applying digital tools to their specific business needs.

Online Mentorship and Follow-Up Sessions

Following the in-person workshops, participants will continue their engagement through online mentorship sessions. These sessions will be hosted on IGAD social platforms, providing a space for continuous learning and support. The online component aims to reinforce the knowledge gained during the workshops, offer ongoing mentorship, facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage collaboration, and share additional digital trade resources. This approach ensures that the learning process extends beyond the initial training, supporting sustained entrepreneurial growth.

Training Locations

The in-person training workshops will be held in the following cities between July and December 2026:

• Djibouti, Djibouti
• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Mogadishu, Somalia
• Juba, South Sudan
• Port Sudan, Sudan
• Kampala, Uganda

What Participants Will Learn

The training program covers essential areas of digital entrepreneurship and online trade, equipping participants with a comprehensive skill set.

Digital Financial Services

Participants will gain knowledge in using mobile money systems, digital payment platforms, and other financial inclusion tools. They will also learn about managing online transactions securely and understanding digital financial practices.

E-Commerce and Online Business Opportunities

The training will cover how to sell products online, navigate e-commerce platforms, and engage with customers online. Participants will explore different digital business models and learn how to participate effectively in online marketplaces.

Digital Marketing Strategies

Skills in social media marketing, building an online brand, and reaching customers through digital channels will be taught. The program will also cover content marketing and strategies for engaging with target audiences online.

Financial Literacy and Business Management

Entrepreneurs will learn about financial planning, budgeting, and ensuring business sustainability. The training will also focus on revenue management and making informed entrepreneurial decisions.

Safe Participation in Digital Spaces

Participants will be educated on cybersecurity basics, digital safety practices, and protecting their online privacy. They will also learn about secure digital communication methods.

Cross-Border Trade and AfCFTA Opportunities

The program will provide guidance on identifying regional trade opportunities, preparing for export, and engaging in cross-border e-commerce. It will also explain how MSMEs can benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Benefits of the Programme

Selected participants will receive a range of valuable benefits designed to support their business growth.

Capacity Building

Participants will develop practical digital trade skills that can directly improve their business performance and competitiveness.

Access to Mentorship

The program offers continued mentorship and support after the physical training, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Networking Opportunities

Participants will join a growing regional network of entrepreneurs, trainers, and digital trade advocates, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Exposure to Regional Markets

Entrepreneurs will gain valuable insights into regional and international market opportunities, helping them to expand their reach.

Improved Financial Inclusion

Participants will learn how to effectively use digital financial tools and services to enhance their business operations and financial management.

Business Expansion Opportunities

The program supports MSMEs in scaling their businesses by providing strategies for digital solutions and e-commerce.

Participation at No Cost

Participation in the program is entirely free for all selected applicants, removing financial barriers to skill development.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a woman or youth entrepreneur.
• Currently operate a micro, small, or medium enterprise (MSME).
• Possess a valid business license.
• Demonstrate a clear interest in digital trade.
• Show commitment to using digital platforms to grow their business.
• Commit to attending the full three-day in-person workshop.
• Agree to participate in the online mentorship sessions.

IGAD notes that priority will be given to women entrepreneurs.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is particularly well-suited for:

• Women entrepreneurs looking to expand their digital presence.
• Youth-led startups aiming to scale their operations.
• MSME owners seeking to adopt digital business practices.
• E-commerce business owners wanting to refine their strategies.
• Small business operators interested in online market access.
• Digital entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their skills.
• Community business leaders aiming for broader impact.
• Social entrepreneurs focused on sustainable growth.
• Traders interested in expanding into regional markets.
• Entrepreneurs eager to understand and utilize AfCFTA opportunities.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, participants are expected to achieve several key outcomes:

• Acquire stronger digital business skills and improve business competitiveness.
• Increase their participation in online trade and expand their market reach.
• Enhance their financial management and digital literacy.
• Gain access to new regional markets and strengthen cross-border business participation.

The program also aims to contribute to broader regional goals, including economic integration, youth employment, women’s empowerment, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development.

Required Application Documents

Interested applicants must submit the following documents:

1. A completed online application form.
2. A brief motivation statement explaining their interest in the program.
3. A copy of their business license.
4. A short description of their business.
5. An explanation of how they plan to use the skills acquired from the program.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications for the IGAD Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade Training and Mentorship Programme is June 13, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early due to the anticipated high volume of applications.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should complete the online application form available through the official IGAD application portal. The official application link is: https://igad.int/hdmicallforapplicationincountrytraining/

Important Notes

• Participation in the program is free for selected applicants.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by IGAD.
• Details regarding training logistics will be shared with successful participants.
• Full participation throughout the program is expected from all attendees.

For more information about the IGAD In-Country Training and Mentorship for Women and Youth MSMEs, visit HERE.

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