The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially launched applications for its 2026 Regional Training of Trainers (ToTs) Program on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade, an initiative designed to strengthen digital entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for women and youth across the IGAD region. The program forms part of the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project Phase I and reflects growing regional efforts to accelerate digital trade and economic integration in Eastern Africa.
The regional training program is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 17 June 2026. According to IGAD, the intensive residential workshop will bring together selected entrepreneurs, MSME leaders, and digital trade advocates from IGAD Member States to receive practical training in e-commerce, digital financial services, online business development, and mentorship methodologies.
The initiative specifically focuses on addressing barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in digital economies. IGAD noted that despite the rapid growth of digital trade across Africa,
“gender inequalities continue to limit women’s access to digital technologies, financial services and market opportunities.”
Through the program, selected participants will be trained as “Gender Champions” using the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology. These champions are expected to later conduct in country mentorship programs and training workshops aimed at supporting women and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region.
According to IGAD, the broader objective of the HDMI Project is to strengthen economic integration by supporting the creation of a single digital market within the Horn of Africa. The program aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), IGAD Vision 2050, and the organization’s newly validated 2026–2030 strategy.
The training program will cover several practical areas essential for participation in modern digital economies. These include digital marketing, online entrepreneurship, digital financial services, cybersecurity awareness, mobile money systems, cross-border e-commerce, and access to regional and international markets under AfCFTA frameworks.
IGAD explained that the use of digital platforms and digital trade systems could help create new jobs, particularly for women and young entrepreneurs, while also supporting innovation and regional competitiveness. The organization stated that digital solutions can help “unlock market opportunities” and strengthen regional trade integration.
Participants selected for the program are expected to commit fully to the three-day training, which IGAD describes as highly intensive. Organizers also announced that mobile phone usage during sessions will be restricted to encourage active participation and practical engagement.
To qualify, applicants must be nationals of IGAD Member States and actively operate registered MSMEs with valid business licenses. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate interest or experience in entrepreneurship, e-commerce, or digital trade and show willingness to mentor others after the training concludes.
IGAD further emphasized that the program is not limited to training alone. Following the regional workshop, participants will continue receiving mentorship and networking support through online learning sessions hosted on IGAD digital platforms. These follow-up activities are intended to sustain collaboration among entrepreneurs and trainers across the region.
The launch of the program comes amid increasing regional efforts to strengthen digital integration and modernize trade systems in Eastern Africa. In May 2026, IGAD and the East African Community (EAC) intensified discussions on digital integration strategies aimed at improving trade facilitation, logistics systems, and cross-border payment infrastructure.
Similarly, IGAD recently concluded a Regional Consultative Dialogue on Digital Trade Solutions for Cross-Border Agricultural Trade in Nairobi, where stakeholders explored ways to improve interoperability between customs systems, market platforms, and digital certification processes. During the meeting, IGAD officials stressed that digital systems must support “the woman cross-border grain trader” and “the youth-led agribusiness.”
The current training initiative therefore reflects a broader shift toward digital transformation within the region’s economic agenda. By promoting digital entrepreneurship and inclusive participation in online trade, IGAD aims to equip local businesses with skills necessary to compete within both regional and global markets.
The program also highlights growing recognition of women and youth as major drivers of economic growth and innovation across Africa. Through mentorship, skills development, and regional networking opportunities, the initiative seeks to create a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of using technology to overcome barriers related to market access, financing, and business expansion.
As digital trade continues to reshape African economies, programs such as the IGAD Regional Training of Trainers initiative may play an important role in ensuring that women and youth entrepreneurs are not excluded from emerging opportunities. By combining digital skills, mentorship, and regional cooperation, IGAD’s latest initiative represents an effort to build a more inclusive and connected digital economy across Eastern Africa.