DR Launches $50M WEIDE Fund to Boost Women in Digital Trade

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and ProDominicana officially launched the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund in the Dominican Republic, an initiative designed to significantly increase Dominican women's participation in international trade.

During a Dec. 9 event that included Víctor Bisonó, Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), the organizations announced the selection of 34 women-led businesses as the first beneficiaries of the WEIDE Fund in the country. The Dominican Republic is one of four nations benefiting from the $50 million global initiative.

The WEIDE Fund aims to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by women overcome trade barriers by enhancing their digital capabilities, financial readiness, and access to international markets.

A call for applications in the Dominican Republic drew more than 200 submissions, underscoring strong interest from women entrepreneurs looking to expand their global trade involvement.

Prior to the official launch, the WEIDE Fund conducted technical workshops and training sessions in November. These sessions introduced the selected women-led businesses to the fund's objectives and provided initial guidance on digital tools and financial management.

In each beneficiary country, participants engage in a two-day program that combines a high-level launch ceremony with in-person training and capacity building, followed by continuous technical support throughout the project's duration. In the Dominican Republic, the Dec. 9 launch event followed a technical soft skills development session held at ProDominicana on Dec. 8.

Johanna Hill, WTO Deputy Director-General, highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit during the launch. “Women entrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic demonstrate remarkable innovation, resilience, and ambition,” Hill said. “Through the WEIDE Fund, the WTO and ITC are committed to helping them seize digital trade opportunities and strengthen their participation in global value chains.”

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director, noted the potential in the region. “The Caribbean boasts dynamic women-led businesses ready to scale,” Coke-Hamilton said. “The WEIDE Fund provides them with tools, knowledge, and networks to accelerate their growth and reach new markets. We are excited to introduce the first cohort of beneficiaries in the Dominican Republic and to accompany them every step of the way.”

ProDominicana Executive Director Biviana Riveiro Disla stated that being part of the WEIDE Fund's initial implementation phase recognizes the efforts of the Dominican government and ProDominicana. She emphasized the various public policies in place and her institution's consistent five-year support for women-led businesses to strengthen their role in international trade.

“The national call for applications exceeded all expectations, with over 200 women entrepreneurs applying to be part of this initiative,” Riveiro said. “This figure reflects the dynamism, creativity, and firm determination of Dominican women to internationalize their projects. From these applications, 34 women-led businesses have been selected as the first beneficiaries of the WEIDE Fund in our country.”

Minister Bisonó described the WEIDE Fund as a tool “designed to multiply capacities, open new doors, and accompany the business dreams of women who are already making their mark in the digital economy and international markets.” He reiterated the government's commitment to boosting female participation in high-growth productive sectors.

Bisonó added that this effort unfolds within a highly favorable economic climate for the country. “Between January and October, our exports surpassed $11.954 billion, growing by more than 10%,” he affirmed. “This dynamism confirms that the Dominican economy is advancing strongly and that women entrepreneurs continue to expand their presence in key sectors and highly competitive markets.”

About the WEIDE Fund

Administered by the WTO and ITC, the WEIDE Fund is made possible through support from the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is currently being implemented in four countries in collaboration with local business support organizations: ProDominicana in the Dominican Republic, the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (Jedco), the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).