Closing on: Jun 13, 2026
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is inviting women and youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across its Member States to apply for a free In-Country Training and Mentorship Programme on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade.
Delivered under the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I, the programme combines three-day in-person national workshops with ongoing online mentorship sessions. Training is delivered by certified Gender Champions using the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology, and runs from July to December 2026 across seven countries.
What Participants Will Learn:
- Digital financial services, including mobile money platforms
- E-commerce and online business opportunities
- Digital marketing and online business growth strategies
- Business management and financial literacy
- Online safety and secure participation in digital spaces
- How to access regional and international markets, including opportunities under the AfCFTA
Training Schedule:
- July — Djibouti and Somalia
- September — Ethiopia
- October — South Sudan and Sudan
- November — Uganda
- December — Kenya
Who Can Apply:
- Women and youth entrepreneurs actively running an MSME (priority given to women)
- Holders of a valid business license
- Applicants with a demonstrated interest in digital trade or growing their business through digital platforms
- Those able to commit to the full three-day in-person training and follow-up online mentorship sessions
Participation is free of charge for all selected candidates.
