The ECOWAS Commission, through the Directorate of Trade, in collaboration with the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held a specialized Masterclass on ‘Success and Transformation: Supporting Women Digital Entrepreneurs’ from 10 – 13 March 2026 in Cotonou, Benin. The program sought to empower women entrepreneurs by strengthening their digital and entrepreneurial skills to capture emerging digital opportunities across Africa.
The opening remarks from Ambassadeur Simidélé Sèlidji Seth TEBE of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Benin highlighted that women run almost 40% of SMEs in the country and the government has invested more than 500 million CFA in ensuring that their businesses thrive. He stated that digitalization is at the heart of the national stability programme of Benin and women participation is of vital importance for this transformation.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the ECOWAS Resident Representative to the Republic of Benin Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, Mr. Mahueana HOUEDOU conveyed the appreciation of the ECOWAS Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Kalilou SYLLA, to the Government of Benin and strategic partners. He noted the Masterclass was a key intervention to bridge the digital divide and equip women entrepreneurs with the expertise to expand their enterprises and forms part of the broader ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy.
