UN ECA Launches Initiative to Enhance Women’s Engagement in Digital Economy
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA) has unveiled a regional initiative aimed at bolstering women’s involvement in the digital economy in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Namibia, and the Republic of Congo.
Entitled ‘Developing Digital Entrepreneurship Among Women in Africa,’ this project seeks to dismantle the structural barriers that hinder women’s access to digital skills, financial services, and online markets. Additionally, it aims to assist governments in crafting more inclusive, gender-sensitive policies that foster digital entrepreneurship.
This four-year program, executed by the UN ECA’s Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Development Division (TICID), integrates support for female entrepreneurs with initiatives designed to enhance national policy and regulatory frameworks. The initiative will equip women with essential digital and financial skills while helping policymakers create a more inclusive digital ecosystem.
In the coming four years, the program expects to train over 1,000 women entrepreneurs in areas such as digital literacy and financial management. Furthermore, more than 200 policymakers and government officials will engage in capacity-building workshops and regional policy dialogues to foster a collaborative environment.
Key activities across the participating countries will include eight national workshops, regional training programs, online learning platforms, and study tours. These initiatives aim to facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen policy frameworks, and equip women with practical skills essential for thriving in the digital landscape.
A significant milestone was reached during a virtual kick-off meeting on May 18, 2026, which led to the formation of a multi-stakeholder coordination task force. This task force is responsible for coordinating implementation efforts, promoting knowledge sharing, and ensuring that projects align with national development priorities through close collaboration with UN agencies and government entities.
During a subsequent technical meeting, members emphasized the importance of tailoring interventions to reflect the unique socio-economic conditions of each participating country. They highlighted the necessity of integrating gender and youth considerations throughout the implementation process.
As an immediate priority, the task force has pinpointed the need for comprehensive evaluation studies to be conducted in each country over the next six months. These assessments will identify regional challenges, opportunities, and policy gaps, thus providing a foundation for tailored, country-specific interventions.
Running until 2029, this initiative is part of the UN ECA’s wider strategy to promote inclusive digital transformation across Africa. By equipping women with the necessary skills and resources to engage in the digital economy while supporting governments in establishing a favorable policy framework, the program aims to stimulate inclusive economic growth, broaden entrepreneurial opportunities, and further sustainable socio-economic development throughout the continent.
