IGAD In-Country Training and Mentorship for Women and Youth MSMEs on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade 2026: Fully Sponsored Regional Capacity Building Programme for Entrepreneurs in East Africa
Applications are now open for the IGAD In-Country Training and Mentorship for Women and Youth MSMEs on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade 2026, a regional initiative under the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I. Organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), this important programme seeks to strengthen the capacity of women and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the IGAD region through specialized training and mentorship on digital trade, e-commerce, digital financial services, and cross-border market opportunities.
The programme will run from July to December 2026 across multiple IGAD Member States and is specifically designed to empower entrepreneurs with practical digital trade skills that will help them access regional and global markets, leverage technology for business growth, and benefit from opportunities created through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
As Africa continues to accelerate digital transformation and regional economic integration, women and youth entrepreneurs remain central to building inclusive economic growth. However, gender inequalities, limited access to technology, digital literacy gaps, and restricted financial inclusion continue to affect the participation of women and youth in digital trade ecosystems. Through this initiative, IGAD aims to close these gaps by equipping MSMEs with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship required to compete successfully in today’s digital economy.
The training programme will use the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology, a participatory and inclusive approach designed to strengthen gender-sensitive economic empowerment and business development. The initiative combines practical in-person workshops with online mentorship and continuous engagement sessions.
About IGAD and the HDMI Project
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a regional economic community focused on promoting peace, security, economic integration, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa and East Africa region.
The Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I is implemented under IGAD’s Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division (ECRID). The project operates in:
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
The broader objective of the HDMI Project is to strengthen regional economic integration by creating a more connected and inclusive digital market across the IGAD region.
The project supports:
- Digital trade systems
- E-commerce development
- Cybersecurity
- Digital transactions
- Data protection
- Cross-border digital services
- Innovation ecosystems
- Digital entrepreneurship
The programme aligns with:
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- IGAD Vision 2050
- IGAD Strategy 2026–2030
According to IGAD, digital transformation has the potential to:
- Create jobs for women and youth
- Expand market access
- Support entrepreneurship
- Increase competitiveness
- Promote innovation
- Strengthen regional integration
- Improve trade efficiency
Why This Training Programme Matters
Digital trade is becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in Africa’s economy. Businesses that can effectively use:
- E-commerce platforms
- Digital payment systems
- Online marketing
- Mobile money
- Digital financial tools
are increasingly gaining access to larger markets and greater economic opportunities.
However, many women and youth entrepreneurs still face challenges such as:
- Limited digital literacy
- Lack of access to digital platforms
- Financial exclusion
- Poor access to market information
- Limited knowledge of cross-border trade opportunities
- Weak digital marketing skills
The IGAD Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade Programme is designed to address these challenges directly by helping MSMEs build practical skills and confidence in digital business operations.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen the digital trade capacity of women and youth MSMEs
- Promote gender-sensitive participation in digital economies
- Increase access to digital financial services
- Support participation in e-commerce
- Improve financial literacy and business management
- Expand access to regional and international markets
- Facilitate inclusion in AfCFTA trade opportunities
- Build sustainable entrepreneur networks across the region
Training Structure and Format
The programme will be delivered in a hybrid format consisting of both in-person and online sessions.
1. In-Person Training Workshops
Participants will attend a three-day in-country workshop delivered by trained Gender Champions using the GALS methodology.
The in-person sessions are designed to:
- Encourage active participation
- Facilitate practical learning
- Offer real-time feedback
- Build hands-on experience
- Strengthen peer learning
- Enable networking among entrepreneurs
Participants will receive practical guidance on applying digital tools to real business situations.
2. Online Mentorship and Follow-Up Sessions
After the physical training workshops, participants will continue engaging through online mentorship sessions hosted via IGAD social platforms.
The online component will:
- Reinforce learning outcomes
- Provide ongoing mentorship
- Support continuous knowledge exchange
- Facilitate networking
- Encourage collaboration among participants
- Share additional digital trade resources
This blended learning approach ensures long-term impact and sustained entrepreneurial growth.
Training Locations
The programme will take place in the following cities across the IGAD region:
- Djibouti – Djibouti
- Addis Ababa – Ethiopia
- Nairobi – Kenya
- Mogadishu – Somalia
- Juba – South Sudan
- Port Sudan – Sudan
- Kampala – Uganda
These locations will host the in-person training workshops between July and December 2026.
What Participants Will Learn
The training programme covers several key components of digital entrepreneurship and online trade.
1. Digital Financial Services
Participants will learn:
- Mobile money systems
- Digital payment platforms
- Financial inclusion tools
- Online transaction management
- Secure financial practices
2. E-Commerce and Online Business Opportunities
Training topics include:
- Selling products online
- E-commerce platforms
- Online customer engagement
- Digital business models
- Marketplace participation
3. Digital Marketing Strategies
Participants will gain skills in:
- Social media marketing
- Online branding
- Digital customer outreach
- Content marketing
- Audience engagement
4. Financial Literacy and Business Management
The programme will help entrepreneurs improve:
- Financial planning
- Budgeting
- Business sustainability
- Revenue management
- Entrepreneurial decision-making
5. Safe Participation in Digital Spaces
Participants will learn:
- Cybersecurity basics
- Digital safety practices
- Online privacy protection
- Secure digital communication
6. Cross-Border Trade and AfCFTA Opportunities
The programme will provide guidance on:
- Regional trade opportunities
- Export readiness
- Cross-border e-commerce
- Market access within Africa
- AfCFTA opportunities for MSMEs
Benefits of the Programme
Selected participants will receive numerous benefits, including:
Capacity Building
Participants will develop practical digital trade skills that can directly improve business performance.
Access to Mentorship
The programme offers continued mentorship and support after the physical training workshops.
Networking Opportunities
Participants will become part of a growing regional network of entrepreneurs, trainers, and digital trade advocates.
Exposure to Regional Markets
Entrepreneurs will gain insights into regional and international market opportunities.
Improved Financial Inclusion
Participants will learn how to leverage digital financial tools and services for business growth.
Business Expansion Opportunities
The programme supports MSMEs in scaling their businesses through digital solutions and e-commerce strategies.
Participation at No Cost
Participation in the programme is completely free for selected applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a woman or youth entrepreneur
- Actively run a micro, small, or medium enterprise (MSME)
- Possess a valid business license
- Demonstrate interest in digital trade
- Show commitment to expanding their business using digital platforms
- Commit to attending the full three-day in-person workshop
- Participate in online mentorship sessions
IGAD notes that priority will be given to women entrepreneurs.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Youth-led startups
- MSME owners
- E-commerce business owners
- Small business operators
- Digital entrepreneurs
- Community business leaders
- Social entrepreneurs
- Traders seeking regional expansion
- Entrepreneurs interested in AfCFTA opportunities
Expected Outcomes
After completing the programme, participants are expected to:
- Gain stronger digital business skills
- Improve business competitiveness
- Increase participation in online trade
- Expand market reach
- Improve financial management
- Enhance digital literacy
- Access new regional markets
- Strengthen cross-border business participation
The programme also seeks to contribute to broader regional goals such as:
- Economic integration
- Youth employment
- Women’s empowerment
- Digital transformation
- Inclusive economic development
Required Application Documents
Interested applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Brief motivation statement explaining why they want to join the programme
- Copy of business license
- Short business description
- Explanation of how they intend to use the acquired skills
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the IGAD Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade Training and Mentorship Programme is:
June 13, 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early due to the expected high number of applications.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the online application form through the official IGAD application portal.
Official Application Link:
https://igad.int/hdmicallforapplicationincountrytraining/
Important Notes
- Participation is free for selected applicants
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Training logistics will be shared with successful participants
- Full participation is expected during the programme
Visit HERE to learn more about the IGAD In-Country Training and Mentorship for Women and Youth MSMEs.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Not Miss This Opportunity
The digital economy is rapidly transforming the future of trade in Africa. Entrepreneurs who can successfully adopt digital solutions are increasingly better positioned to:
- Expand their customer base
- Improve operational efficiency
- Access financial services
- Participate in cross-border trade
- Increase revenue opportunities
This IGAD programme offers a rare opportunity for women and youth MSMEs in East Africa and the Horn of Africa to receive free high-quality training, mentorship, and regional networking support that can significantly strengthen their businesses and future growth prospects.
For entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in Africa’s growing digital economy and benefit from regional integration opportunities under AfCFTA, this initiative provides timely and practical support for long-term success.
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