The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I, has officially opened applications for the Regional Training of Trainers (ToTs) on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade using the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology.
Scheduled to take place from July 6–8, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, this highly intensive regional programme aims to equip entrepreneurs, MSME leaders, gender champions, and digital trade advocates from IGAD Member States with practical skills to strengthen gender-responsive digital trade ecosystems across East Africa.
The initiative comes at a critical time when digital transformation, cross-border trade, women’s economic inclusion, and youth entrepreneurship are becoming central to Africa’s economic future under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and IGAD Vision 2050.
This opportunity is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs and MSME leaders interested in:
- Digital trade
- E-commerce
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Financial inclusion
- Climate-resilient entrepreneurship
- Cross-border trade
- Youth-led enterprise development
Participants selected for this programme will become recognized Gender Champions capable of mentoring and training women and youth-led enterprises across their countries.
About the IGAD HDMI Project
The Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I is a multinational intervention implemented under IGAD’s Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division (ECRID).
The project operates in:
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
Its broader mission is to strengthen economic integration across the IGAD region by:
- Unlocking digital market opportunities
- Supporting e-commerce ecosystems
- Expanding digital financial systems
- Promoting digital entrepreneurship
- Enhancing cybersecurity and digital trust systems
The project aligns with:
- AfCFTA implementation
- IGAD Vision 2050
- IGAD Strategy 2026–2030
By improving access to digital markets, the initiative aims to:
- Increase youth employment
- Promote women-led enterprise growth
- Facilitate cross-border commerce
- Encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship
Why This Training Matters
Despite rapid digital transformation across Africa, many women and youth entrepreneurs still face serious barriers, including:
- Limited access to digital technologies
- Lack of digital financial services
- Low participation in e-commerce
- Restricted access to regional and international markets
- Socio-cultural limitations
- Digital literacy gaps
This regional training seeks to address these challenges by creating a network of Gender Champions who can help women and youth MSMEs access digital trade opportunities and participate effectively in the digital economy.
The programme focuses on empowering participants with tools to:
- Promote gender-sensitive digital trade
- Mentor local entrepreneurs
- Strengthen inclusive market participation
- Expand digital entrepreneurship ecosystems
What is the Gender Action Learning System (GALS)?
The Gender Action Learning System (GALS) is a community-led empowerment methodology designed to:
- Address gender inequalities
- Support inclusive economic participation
- Encourage social transformation
- Improve entrepreneurship outcomes
In this programme, GALS will be used to:
- Address socio-cultural barriers
- Promote gender equity in digital trade
- Enhance women’s participation in regional markets
- Build inclusive business ecosystems
Participants will learn practical methods for using GALS within entrepreneurship, mentoring, and digital trade training environments.
Objectives of the Regional Training
The training aims to build a stronger regional ecosystem for inclusive digital trade and entrepreneurship.
Specific objectives include:
1. Building Capacity of Gender Champions
The programme seeks to train 21 Gender Champions from across IGAD Member States on:
- Gender-responsive digital trade
- E-commerce systems
- Digital entrepreneurship
- Inclusive market participation
2. Strengthening Practical Mentorship Skills
Participants will gain:
- Facilitation skills
- Mentoring techniques
- GALS implementation skills
- Community engagement strategies
3. Promoting Women and Youth MSMEs
The initiative aims to increase:
- Access to digital markets
- Digital financial inclusion
- E-commerce participation
- Cross-border trade engagement
4. Expanding Knowledge on Digital Financial Systems
Participants will develop understanding of:
- Digital payment systems
- E-commerce tools
- Online business ecosystems
- Digital trade regulations
Training Structure and Format
The programme will be delivered in two phases.
Phase 1: Intensive In-Person Regional Workshop
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Dates: July 6–8, 2026
- Duration: 3 full residential training days
This phase includes:
- Practical exercises
- Interactive learning
- Hands-on facilitation training
- Group collaboration
- Mentorship preparation
Phase 2: Online Follow-Up Sessions
After the physical workshop, participants will engage in:
- Online learning sessions
- Knowledge-sharing discussions
- Continued mentorship support
- Digital networking activities
These sessions will be facilitated through IGAD social platforms.
Important Training Rules
IGAD has emphasized that this is a highly intensive Training of Trainers programme.
Participants are expected to:
- Attend all sessions fully
- Participate actively
- Commit completely throughout the programme
- Engage in all practical activities
Importantly:
- Use of mobile phones during sessions will not be permitted
This policy is intended to encourage full concentration and participation.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected participants will gain several important benefits.
1. Recognition as Regional Gender Champions
Participants will officially become Gender Champions within the IGAD regional ecosystem.
2. Regional Networking Opportunities
Participants will connect with:
- Entrepreneurs
- Policy experts
- Gender advocates
- Digital trade specialists
- MSME leaders across East Africa
3. Advanced Skills in Digital Trade
The programme provides knowledge in:
- E-commerce
- Digital market access
- Financial inclusion
- Cross-border digital trade
4. Mentorship and Facilitation Skills
Participants will gain skills needed to:
- Train others
- Facilitate workshops
- Mentor entrepreneurs
- Support MSMEs
5. Exposure to Regional Economic Integration
Participants will deepen understanding of:
- AfCFTA opportunities
- Regional trade systems
- Digital economic ecosystems
6. IGAD-Covered Training Costs
IGAD will cover training-related costs for selected participants according to organizational policies.
Expected Responsibilities After Training
Selected participants are expected to contribute actively after the programme.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting in-country trainings
- Mentoring women and youth MSMEs
- Supporting financial inclusion initiatives
- Promoting digital entrepreneurship
- Expanding inclusive digital trade participation
This ensures that the programme creates long-term regional impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an IGAD Member State
Business Requirement
Applicants should:
- Be actively running an MSME
- Have potential for digital or cross-border trade
Documentation
Applicants must possess:
- A valid business license
Educational Qualification
Applicants should have:
- At least a certificate of secondary education
Experience and Interest
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Interest in digital trade
- Experience in entrepreneurship or e-commerce
- Commitment to gender equality
Mentorship Commitment
Participants must:
- Be willing to train and mentor others after the programme
Eligible IGAD Member States
The opportunity is open to nationals from IGAD Member States, including:
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Uganda
- Eritrea
Required Application Documents
Interested applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Copy of business license
- Motivation statement (maximum 300 words)
- Short business description (maximum 100 words)
The motivation statement should explain:
- Why the applicant is suitable
- Interest in digital trade
- Commitment to women and youth empowerment
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
June 5, 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early because only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the online application through the official IGAD application portal.
Application Link:
https://igad.int/hdmicallforapplication/
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This programme stands out because it combines:
- Digital trade
- Gender inclusion
- Regional integration
- Entrepreneurship
- Mentorship
- Cross-border economic development
Unlike many entrepreneurship trainings, this initiative focuses on building long-term regional trainers and ecosystem leaders capable of multiplying impact across East Africa.
Participants will not only gain personal skills but will also become catalysts for inclusive economic transformation within their communities and countries.
Click HERE to learn more about the IGAD Regional Training of Trainers 2026 in Kenya.
Conclusion
The IGAD Regional Training of Trainers on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade is a highly strategic regional opportunity for entrepreneurs, MSMEs, women leaders, youth innovators, and digital trade advocates across East Africa.
By empowering Gender Champions with skills in digital trade, mentorship, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship support, the programme contributes directly to inclusive economic growth and regional integration.
For entrepreneurs and changemakers interested in driving gender-responsive digital transformation across Africa, this programme represents an outstanding platform for leadership, impact, and regional collaboration.
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