Empowering Women Through Digital Skills: A New Era of Inclusion in West Africa
In a significant move towards digital inclusion and gender equality, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) program aimed at equipping women in rural communities with essential digital skills. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Government of Liberia and various technical partners, marking a crucial step in fostering economic empowerment and sustainable development across the region.
The program was officially launched on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce in Monrovia. The event brought together representatives from multiple sectors, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ECOWAS Commission, and other key stakeholders. This collective effort underscores the importance of creating opportunities for women to participate actively in the digital economy.
At the launch, the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond just teaching skills. She highlighted the importance of building agency among women, enabling them to create sustainable businesses and take their rightful place in the global economy. According to her, the program aligns with the broader ECOWAS vision for digital transformation, particularly focusing on economic integration and inclusive, sustainable development.
Ambassador Nkrumah also pointed out that the training complements the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy (2023-2027), which aims to expand access to digital platforms for women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs. She noted that many rural women are still excluded from the digital shift due to limited access to tools and necessary training. By investing in these women, the initiative not only empowers individual entrepreneurs but also strengthens communities and accelerates regional economic growth.
The program builds on previous efforts by ECOWAS to enhance women's participation in trade and commerce. These include the ECOWAS Trade and Gender Action Plan, gender-sensitive trade facilitation under the Subcommittee on Women in Trade, and export readiness programs that have already benefited over 200 women across the region.
As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it reflects on its progress in promoting peace, economic cooperation, and regional integration. Key achievements include the establishment of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), the Common External Tariff (CET), and the Free Movement Protocols.
Mr. Wilmot A. Reeves, Deputy Minister for Commerce and Trade, praised the launch of the ECOWAS ToT program as a strategic boost to regional economic empowerment and inclusion. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Liberia's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly its Economic Transformation Pillar. Reeves also highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in today’s economy, describing digital skills as foundational tools for empowerment, competitiveness, and innovation.
Under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), several national efforts are underway to build a more inclusive digital economy. One such initiative is the development of a National E-Commerce Framework, supported by the Swedish Government.
Mr. O. Natty B. Davis II, President of the Liberia Chambers of Commerce, commended ECOWAS for initiating such a significant program. He urged the beneficiaries to seize all available opportunities to transition into the digital space. Davis also called on the trainers to exercise empathy and build strong relationships with trainees, ensuring that they remain engaged and supported throughout the process.
The Liberia Chambers of Commerce will continue to support this initiative, aiming to boost inclusive growth through digitalization and address the economic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. This collaborative effort represents a promising step toward a more equitable and prosperous future for women in rural communities across West Africa.