From local to global

TDT | Manama

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Digital boost for women-led MSMEs as WE-Elevate rolls out nationally

Bahrain’s women entrepreneurs are gearing up to take their businesses across borders, thanks to the national rollout of the WE-Elevate programme—a digital empowerment initiative by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Designed to turbocharge female-led MSMEs, the programme combines mentorship, online learning, and cross-border trading platforms, helping businesses transform from local ventures into global digital brands.

The initiative offers step-bystep training, starting from basic digital readiness and progressing to advanced skills for online trade. Participants learn to formalize their operations, expand their customer base, and sell across international markets, enabling sustainable growth and new employment opportunities.

The Bahrain rollout is part of a wider expansion across all DCO Member States, announced during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York. WE-Elevate aims to address the underrepresentation of women in digital leadership—globally, women hold just 12.2% of C-suite positions in STEM fields—by equipping female and youth entrepreneurs with the tools to compete in the digital economy.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said: “MSMEs are at the heart of Bahrain’s economy. WE-Elevate strengthens women-led businesses, giving them the confidence and tools to scale beyond borders. Our partnership with DCO reflects Bahrain’s commitment to inclusive digital transformation and multilateral cooperation.”

DCO Secretary- General Deemah AlYahya added: “WE-Elevate is more than a programme; it is a catalyst for empowerment and opportunity. Our pilot in Rwanda showed tangible results, with MSMEs improving their digital capabilities, formalizing operations, and accessing new markets. Female-led businesses are critical for innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth in the digital economy.”

Bahrain’s GDP is projected at USD 46.2 billion in 2025, with MSMEs contributing 17.8% of national output and playing a central role in employment creation. The programme also supports 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 register and start their digital journey at dco.org/initiatives/stride, taking a key step toward becoming global digital brands.