The capital of Togo will host a regional United Nations conference next month aimed at strengthening women’s participation in digital trade and online business development across Africa.
The meeting, organised by the UNCTAD under its “eTrade for Women” programme, is scheduled for May 6–7, 2026, and will bring together female entrepreneurs involved in e-commerce from several African countries.
Officials say the event will focus on improving digital business skills, expanding access to financing, and building cross-border networks that can help women scale their online enterprises beyond local markets.
The initiative comes at a time when e-commerce is increasingly seen as a key driver of economic inclusion, particularly for women who dominate informal trade sectors but often face barriers to formal business growth.
Across many African economies, women play a central role in retail and cross-border commerce, yet remain underrepresented in structured digital markets due to limited access to capital, training and infrastructure.
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The Lomé meeting is expected to address these challenges by offering workshops and discussion sessions on topics such as online business strategy, digital marketing, logistics and payment systems.
Participants will also explore opportunities linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a unified continental market and improve access to regional and international customers.
By leveraging digital platforms, policymakers and development experts argue that women entrepreneurs can bypass traditional geographic constraints and reach customers both within Africa and in global diaspora markets.
The programme will also encourage partnerships between participants and stakeholders in the broader digital ecosystem, including fintech firms, logistics providers and technology developers.
Togo has positioned itself in recent years as a regional hub for digital innovation, with government initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and expanding access to online services.
Hosting the UNCTAD meeting is part of a broader strategy to promote digital inclusion and strengthen the country’s role in West Africa’s growing tech and trade landscape.
Officials say the event is expected to contribute to long-term efforts to integrate more women into the formal digital economy, thereby improving income opportunities and supporting inclusive growth.
Experts note that while Africa’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, gender gaps remain significant, particularly in access to financing, digital literacy and high-growth tech sectors.
The Lomé gathering is therefore seen as an opportunity not only to share experiences but also to develop practical solutions that can be adapted across different national contexts.
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As preparations continue, attention will focus on how effectively such regional initiatives can translate networking and training into sustained business growth for women entrepreneurs.
If successful, the meeting could strengthen the visibility of women-led enterprises in Africa’s e-commerce landscape and support broader efforts to ensure that digital transformation benefits a wider segment of society.
