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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