Mongolian Women-Led Enterprises Selected for Global Digital Export Support Under WTO and ITC Initiative

Women-Led Enterprises

Mongolian enterprises selected for the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a joint initiative of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), have officially been announced, marking a significant milestone for the country’s women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their global footprint in the digital economy.

In March 2025, Mongolia was announced in Geneva as one of the first four countries to implement the WEIDE project, alongside countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This recognition reflects Mongolia’s growing emphasis on inclusive trade and the empowerment of women in business, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

During the registration period in April and May 2025, a remarkable 307 applications were received from across Mongolia, demonstrating strong interest and ambition among women entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses digitally and tap into international markets.

From these applicants, approximately 50 women-led enterprises have been selected to receive a two-year support package that includes financial grants, training, advisory services, and technical assistance, with a combined value of USD 1 million. The initiative is designed to support both early-stage start-ups and more established businesses ready to expand their digital presence.

According to the Embassy of Mongolia in Geneva, the WEIDE Fund aims to equip selected businesses with the tools and expertise needed to succeed in the global digital economy, particularly in e-commerce, where barriers to entry can be high for small enterprises in developing economies. The selected participants represent some of Mongolia’s most promising women-led enterprises in priority export sectors, including leather and hides, Wool and cashmere, Agricultural products, manufacturing, Tourism, Food technology, Innovation, and tech-based services.

These sectors not only represent the backbone of Mongolia’s traditional economy but also offer immense potential for digital transformation and cross-border trade. The support from WEIDE is expected to enhance their capacity to comply with international quality standards, improve their branding and digital marketing strategies, and build resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty.

In a statement, a representative from the WTO noted, “The WEIDE initiative is about more than just funding — it's about enabling women entrepreneurs to become active participants in the global digital economy and to lead the way in inclusive economic growth.”

The initiative is also aligned with Mongolia’s national priorities on gender equality, SME development, and digital innovation, and it complements other ongoing efforts by the government and international partners to strengthen the country's e-commerce ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the success of this first cohort could serve as a blueprint for scaling the initiative to more women-owned businesses across the country, and even regionally, as Mongolia continues to position itself as a competitive player in digital trade.