IGAD Regional Training of Trainers 2026 on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade in Kenya | Fully Supported Opportunity for MSMEs, Entrepreneurs, Women & Youth Leaders Across East Africa

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through the Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I, has officially opened applications for the Regional Training of Trainers (ToTs) on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade using the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology.

Scheduled to take place from July 6–8, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, this highly intensive regional programme aims to equip entrepreneurs, MSME leaders, gender champions, and digital trade advocates from IGAD Member States with practical skills to strengthen gender-responsive digital trade ecosystems across East Africa.

The initiative comes at a critical time when digital transformation, cross-border trade, women’s economic inclusion, and youth entrepreneurship are becoming central to Africa’s economic future under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and IGAD Vision 2050.

This opportunity is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs and MSME leaders interested in:

• Digital trade
• E-commerce
• Women’s economic empowerment
• Financial inclusion
• Climate-resilient entrepreneurship
• Cross-border trade
• Youth-led enterprise development

Participants selected for this programme will become recognized Gender Champions capable of mentoring and training women and youth-led enterprises across their countries.

About the IGAD HDMI Project

The Horn of Africa Digital Market Integration (HDMI) Project – Phase I is a multinational intervention implemented under IGAD’s Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division (ECRID).

The project operates in:

• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Somalia
• South Sudan

Its broader mission is to strengthen economic integration across the IGAD region by:

• Unlocking digital market opportunities
• Supporting e-commerce ecosystems
• Expanding digital financial systems
• Promoting digital entrepreneurship
• Enhancing cybersecurity and digital trust systems

The project aligns with:

• AfCFTA implementation
• IGAD Vision 2050
• IGAD Strategy 2026–2030

By improving access to digital markets, the initiative aims to:

• Increase youth employment
• Promote women-led enterprise growth
• Facilitate cross-border commerce
• Encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship

Why This Training Matters

Despite rapid digital transformation across Africa, many women and youth entrepreneurs still face serious barriers, including:

• Limited access to digital technologies
• Lack of digital financial services
• Low participation in e-commerce
• Restricted access to regional and international markets
• Socio-cultural limitations
• Digital literacy gaps

This regional training seeks to address these challenges by creating a network of Gender Champions who can help women and youth MSMEs access digital trade opportunities and participate effectively in the digital economy.

The programme focuses on empowering participants with tools to:

• Promote gender-sensitive digital trade
• Mentor local entrepreneurs
• Strengthen inclusive market participation
• Expand digital entrepreneurship ecosystems

What is the Gender Action Learning System (GALS)?

The Gender Action Learning System (GALS) is a community-led empowerment methodology designed to:

• Address gender inequalities
• Support inclusive economic participation
• Encourage social transformation
• Improve entrepreneurship outcomes

In this programme, GALS will be used to:

• Address socio-cultural barriers
• Promote gender equity in digital trade
• Enhance women’s participation in regional markets
• Build inclusive business ecosystems

Participants will learn practical methods for using GALS within entrepreneurship, mentoring, and digital trade training environments.

Objectives of the Regional Training

The training aims to build a stronger regional ecosystem for inclusive digital trade and entrepreneurship.

Specific objectives include:

1. Building Capacity of Gender Champions

The programme seeks to train 21 Gender Champions from across IGAD Member States on:

• Gender-responsive digital trade
• E-commerce systems
• Digital entrepreneurship
• Inclusive market participation

2. Strengthening Practical Mentorship Skills

Participants will gain:

• Facilitation skills
• Mentoring techniques
• GALS implementation skills
• Community engagement strategies

3. Promoting Women and Youth MSMEs

The initiative aims to increase:

• Access to digital markets
• Digital financial inclusion
• E-commerce participation
• Cross-border trade engagement

4. Expanding Knowledge on Digital Financial Systems

Participants will develop understanding of:

• Digital payment systems
• E-commerce tools
• Online business ecosystems
• Digital trade regulations

Training Structure and Format

The programme will be delivered in two phases.

Phase 1: Intensive In-Person Regional Workshop

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Dates: July 6–8, 2026
• Duration: 3 full residential training days

This phase includes:

• Practical exercises
• Interactive learning
• Hands-on facilitation training
• Group collaboration
• Mentorship preparation

Phase 2: Online Follow-Up Sessions

After the physical workshop, participants will engage in:

• Online learning sessions
• Knowledge-sharing discussions
• Continued mentorship support
• Digital networking activities

These sessions will be facilitated through IGAD social platforms.

Important Training Rules

IGAD has emphasized that this is a highly intensive Training of Trainers programme.

Participants are expected to:

• Attend all sessions fully
• Participate actively
• Commit completely throughout the programme
• Engage in all practical activities

Importantly:

• Use of mobile phones during sessions will not be permitted

This policy is intended to encourage full concentration and participation.

Benefits of the Programme

Selected participants will gain several important benefits.

1. Recognition as Regional Gender Champions

Participants will officially become Gender Champions within the IGAD regional ecosystem.

2. Regional Networking Opportunities

Participants will connect with:

• Entrepreneurs
• Policy experts
• Gender advocates
• Digital trade specialists
• MSME leaders across East Africa

3. Advanced Skills in Digital Trade

The programme provides knowledge in:

• E-commerce
• Digital market access
• Financial inclusion
• Cross-border digital trade

4. Mentorship and Facilitation Skills

Participants will gain skills needed to:

• Train others
• Facilitate workshops
• Mentor entrepreneurs
• Support MSMEs

5. Exposure to Regional Economic Integration

Participants will deepen understanding of:

• AfCFTA opportunities
• Regional trade systems
• Digital economic ecosystems

6. IGAD-Covered Training Costs

IGAD will cover training-related costs for selected participants according to organizational policies.

Expected Responsibilities After Training

Selected participants are expected to contribute actively after the programme.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting in-country trainings
• Mentoring women and youth MSMEs
• Supporting financial inclusion initiatives
• Promoting digital entrepreneurship
• Expanding inclusive digital trade participation

This ensures that the programme creates long-term regional impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Nationality

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of an IGAD Member State

Business Requirement

Applicants should:

• Be actively running an MSME
• Have potential for digital or cross-border trade

Documentation

Applicants must possess:

• A valid business license

Educational Qualification

Applicants should have:

• At least a certificate of secondary education

Experience and Interest

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Interest in digital trade
• Experience in entrepreneurship or e-commerce
• Commitment to gender equality

Mentorship Commitment

Participants must:

• Be willing to train and mentor others after the programme

Eligible IGAD Member States

The opportunity is open to nationals from IGAD Member States, including:

• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Uganda
• Eritrea

Required Application Documents

Interested applicants must submit:

1. Completed online application form
2. Copy of business license
3. Motivation statement (maximum 300 words)
4. Short business description (maximum 100 words)

The motivation statement should explain:

• Why the applicant is suitable
• Interest in digital trade
• Commitment to women and youth empowerment

Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

June 5, 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early because only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the online application through the official IGAD application portal.

Application Link:
https://igad.int/hdmicallforapplication/

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This programme stands out because it combines:

• Digital trade
• Gender inclusion
• Regional integration
• Entrepreneurship
• Mentorship
• Cross-border economic development

Unlike many entrepreneurship trainings, this initiative focuses on building long-term regional trainers and ecosystem leaders capable of multiplying impact across East Africa.

Participants will not only gain personal skills but will also become catalysts for inclusive economic transformation within their communities and countries.

Click HERE to learn more about the IGAD Regional Training of Trainers 2026 in Kenya.

Conclusion

The IGAD Regional Training of Trainers on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade is a highly strategic regional opportunity for entrepreneurs, MSMEs, women leaders, youth innovators, and digital trade advocates across East Africa.

By empowering Gender Champions with skills in digital trade, mentorship, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship support, the programme contributes directly to inclusive economic growth and regional integration.

For entrepreneurs and changemakers interested in driving gender-responsive digital transformation across Africa, this programme represents an outstanding platform for leadership, impact, and regional collaboration.

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