In the framework of the eTrade for Women initiative, UNCTAD in partnership with Clarisse Iribagiza, founder and CEO of Hehe and an eTrade for Women Advocate, will host the second regional eTrade for Women Masterclass for Eastern Africa under the theme "Unlocking the power of digital entrepreneurship in uncertain times”.
This event will gather female digital entrepreneurs and women in e-commerce who are shaping Eastern Africa’s digital ecosystem.
What will the masterclass focus on?
The virtual Masterclass will be organized as a three half-day online journey combining a set of training, peer-learning and inspirational sessions as well as a Policy Dialogue.
Training sessions will be designed to help women digital entrepreneurs strengthen their skills to leverage digital solutions to grow their businesses. Participants will discuss concrete tools available to businesses to meet changing customer demands and become more competitive in their markets while adjusting to COVID-19 uncertain circumstances.
Inspirational sessions will allow participants to learn from and connect with seasoned entrepreneurs from the region, who will share their experiences and discuss how they overcame challenges such as cultural gender biases, lack of trust, or insufficient access to finance.
The programme will also help participants better understand the policy environment by engaging with key stakeholders of the digital economy at the national and regional levels. Discussions will notably uncover existing economic trends, such as the regional integration agenda, in order to help entrepreneurs better assess their business opportunities, adapt to their environment and emerge as a credible voice in Africa’s digital ecosystems.
Participants will also have an opportunity to meet with like-minded peers, interact in an informal way and expand their network. After completing the Masterclass, participants will be invited to join the eTrade for Women Community of women entrepreneurs in Eastern Africa.
Who can participate?
The masterclass is open to women entrepreneurs from the following countries in Eastern Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
In order to be considered, candidates must be the founder, co-founder or CEO of a digital business, an e-commerce store or a digital platform, with a minimum of two years of operations.
Apply online
The UNCTAD eTrade for Women initiative
The eTrade for Women initiative was launched by the United Nations in 2019 in partnership with eTrade for all. The initiative aims to empower women by combining the transformative power of female entrepreneurship with the positive impact of digital technologies.
