This UN initiative is centered on supporting female digital entrepreneurs in Anglophone Africa

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) created the eTrade for Women initiative in 2019 with the aim of helping to close this gap by empowering women 'digipreneurs' in developing nations to make a positive impact on their societies. As UNCTAD's Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan committed to placing women's empowerment at the center of the UNCTAD. She has made women's empowerment a focus for the organization.

According to a recent research by the International Finance Corporation, if the gender gap can be closed, women will contribute roughly $15 billion to the e-commerce industry by 2030.

In order to encourage younger generations to follow in their footsteps and promote awareness of the difficulties faced by female digital entrepreneurs, UNCTAD nominates prominent female entrepreneurs who are leaders in their sectors each year as eTrade for Women Advocates.

To assist female entrepreneurs, eTrade for Women frequently hosts Masterclasses. These events are particularly motivating since they mix educational sessions with motivational speeches from key figures, chances for networking, and Policy Dialogues. In addition to the Masterclass, there are chances to join eTrade for Women Communities, a global network that connects female entrepreneurs with other like-minded individuals. The UN's assistance helps the community members improve their abilities, expand their enterprises, and eventually have an impact on their ecosystem, according to Nairametrics.

The founder of Shuttlers in Nigeria, Damilola Olokesusi, was chosen to represent Anglophone Africa in 2022–2023 out of the five exceptional women recommended. Shuttlers is redefining how businesses and professionals commute in Africa's congested cities. It is among the technology backed startups with one of the quickest growth rates in Nigeria.  The business is expanding rapidly as well; it recently secured $1.6 million in venture capital to enter new African markets.

The eTrade for Women program, a free Masterclass for female digital entrepreneurs situated in Anglophone Africa, is being hosted in Nigeria for the first time. The conference, titled "Scaling Up Women-Led Digital Businesses, An Opportunity for Africa's Development," will be held in Lagos from December 6 to 9 and will be organized in partnership with Damilola. 

Applications are now being accepted. To qualify you must meet the following requirements:

·        You are the business's founder or cofounder and a woman.

·        You have two to five years of experience in this position.

·        Your business strategy and operations are driven by cutting-edge technologies and digital tools.

·        The nations You must be based in one of the following African nations Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda.

·        You want to influence your ecosystem and make a difference.

You can apply here if you meet the mentioned requirements. The application period will end on September 9, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.