ECOWAS Launches Digital Training for Rural Women to Drive Economic Empowerment

Empowering Women Through Digital Skills: A New Era for Rural Communities

In a significant move toward digital inclusion and gender equality, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) program focused on digital skills for women in rural communities. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Government of Liberia and various partners, marks a crucial step in equipping women with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern digital economy.

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, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, and technical partners. This collective effort underscores a shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and fostering sustainable development across underserved regions.

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

At the launch, the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, emphasized that the program is not merely about teaching technical skills but about building agency among women. She highlighted that the initiative aligns with the broader ECOWAS vision for digital transformation, particularly focusing on Pillars 3 and 4 of the 2050 Vision, which emphasize economic integration and inclusive, sustainable development.

Ambassador Nkrumah also pointed out that the training complements the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027), which seeks 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 addressing these gaps, the program aims to empower women to take their rightful place in the global economy.

Strengthening Women’s Roles in Trade and Commerce

The training builds upon a series of initiatives by ECOWAS aimed at enhancing women's participation in trade and commerce. These include the ECOWAS Trade and Gender Action Plan, adopted in September 2024, as well as gender-sensitive trade facilitation under the Subcommittee on Women in Trade. Additionally, export readiness programs have already benefited over 200 women across the region.

As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the organization 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, all of which have contributed to a more connected and cooperative region.

Aligning with National Development Goals

Mr. Wilmot A. Reeves, Deputy Minister for Commerce and Trade, praised the launch of the ToT program as a strategic boost to regional economic empowerment and inclusion. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, a national development framework focused on inclusive growth. The program resonates with several key pillars of the ECOWAS Vision 2050, including economic integration, interconnectivity, and sustainable development.

Reeves also highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in today’s economy, describing digital skills as foundational tools for empowerment, competitiveness, and innovation. He noted that the training is a critical step in bridging the digital divide, empowering rural market women and small-scale entrepreneurs with the tools they need to expand their reach, increase productivity, and compete in digital marketplaces.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Development

Mr. O. Natty B. Davis II, President of the Liberia Chambers of Commerce, commended ECOWAS for initiating such a significant program. He urged beneficiaries to seize every opportunity to transition into the digital space, emphasizing the importance of utilizing these tools effectively.

Davis also called on trainers to approach the process with empathy, recognizing the long-term relationships that can be built with trainees. He expressed the chambers’ commitment to supporting the initiative, which he believes will drive inclusive growth through digitalization and address economic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.

This collaborative effort represents a powerful movement toward a more equitable and digitally empowered future for women in rural communities. By investing in their potential, ECOWAS and its partners are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity.