Abuja, Nigeria September 2025: The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy today announced the national rollout of WE-Elevate, a flagship program of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) designed to strengthen female-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The rollout is supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its innovation arm, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), and is being implemented in Nigeria by Shecluded.
The announcement follows DCO’s wider expansion of WE-Elevate across all its Member States, unveiled on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York.
WE-Elevate is a capacity-building program equipping female entrepreneurs with digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills. It combines online learning modules, mentorship, and access to global e-commerce trading platforms to help women-led MSMEs transition from offline to online operations. Through tailored, step-by-step training, participants progress from being e-commerce aware to e-commerce scalable, ultimately formalizing their businesses, expanding their customer bases, and creating sustainable jobs.
Over the next year, 500 Nigerian women-led businesses will take part in the program, drawn from high-potential sectors such as retail, agriculture, fashion, and beauty.
H.E. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said:
“With Nigeria’s GDP projected at USD 188 billion in 2025, MSMEs drive nearly half of national output. Yet globally, women remain underrepresented in digital leadership. WE-Elevate empowers female entrepreneurs with the tools to grow and compete in the digital economy. We commend DCO, NITDA, ONDI, and Shecluded for enabling platforms that will help African nations rise together as leaders in the digital age.”
DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya added:
“WE-Elevate transcends beyond women building businesses; it is about nations building a new social contract for the digital age. This is new multilateralism in action: Member States standing together to ensure that the digital economy does not widen divides, but becomes a bridge for women to cross into opportunity. From Kigali to Kuwait City, from Lagos to Lahore, we have seen how one woman gaining digital access can transform a family, a community, and ultimately, a nation. By expanding WE-Elevate across all our Member States, we are choosing a future where inclusion is not an afterthought but the very foundation of digital prosperity for all.”
For Shecluded, this initiative builds on years of advancing women’s economic empowerment. The women-focused fintech has already provided capital, capacity, and community to more than 40,000 women entrepreneurs across Nigeria and beyond. Through WE-Elevate, Shecluded will provide digital training and tailored support that reflects the realities of Nigerian women in business.
With MSMEs already contributing 48.0% of Nigeria’s GDP, this rollout directly supports the country’s drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Applications are now open for eligible MSMEs across all DCO Member States. Entrepreneurs can apply at https://bit.ly/WE-ElevateNigeria to begin their journey toward becoming digital-first, globally scalable brands.
About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
The DCO is the world’s first standalone intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. Founded in 2020, it brings together the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology of its 16 Member States, representing nearly USD 3.5 trillion in GDP and a combined market of over 800 million people. The DCO promotes digital inclusion, enables cross-border data flows, empowers women and youth, and supports entrepreneurs and SMEs.
About NITDA and ONDI
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) drives Nigeria’s IT policy and digital transformation. Its innovation arm, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), connects startups, innovators, and investors—strengthening the ecosystem with a special focus on inclusion, women, and youth.
About Shecluded
Shecluded is Nigeria’s first female-focused fintech company, dedicated to unlocking economic prosperity for women through access to finance, business support, and community. Since 2019, Shecluded has empowered more than 40,000 women entrepreneurs, providing credit, training, and resources to help women thrive in business and life.
