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Open Accelerator / Incubator International

ITC SheTrades Initiative – Market Access & Digital Trade Programme

International Trade Centre (ITC) · International Organisation
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ITC SheTrades Initiative – Market Access & Digital Trade Programme — International Trade Centre (ITC)

Quick answer

Is it real?
Yes. This is a real programme run by International Trade Centre (ITC). GrantPilot checked its official page on 8 November 2026.
Status
Open (no fixed deadline, or applications accepted on a rolling basis).
Who can apply
Woman owner or woman leader of the business (see the full list below)
How to apply
Directly to International Trade Centre (ITC) on their official page (shetrades.com). Applying is free: never pay anyone to apply or to "release" funds.

GrantPilot does not give out this funding; International Trade Centre (ITC) does. We help you find it, check it is real and get ready to apply.

About this opportunity

ITC SheTrades connects African women traders to international markets via free training, buyer-matching, export support and subsidised trade fairs. You must own or lead a registered business in food, textiles, fashion, cosmetics or services with export potential.

Global programme connecting women entrepreneurs and exporters to international markets. Offers free registration, trade tools, market intelligence, export certification support, buyer-matching, subsidised trade fair participation, and digital skills training. Active hubs across Africa including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, and Nigeria.

Who can apply

  • Woman owner or woman leader of the business
  • Registered business (formal or informal registration accepted)
  • Business operates in food, textiles, fashion, cosmetics, processed goods or services with export potential
  • Able to participate in online training and networking activities
  • Willing to engage in cross-border and trade activities

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Full eligibility wording from the listing

Woman-owned or women-led business; operates in food, textiles, fashion, cosmetics, processed goods or services with export potential; registered business (formal or informal); ability to participate in online training and networking; willing to engage in cross-border/trade activities

Documents you will need

  • Business registration documents (formal or informal proof of registration)
  • Evidence of business operations (sales records, invoices, or production samples)
  • Personal identification
  • Bank details or mobile money account for any payments or disbursements
  • Details of products or services you plan to export

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Visit SheTrades.com and create a free account with your email address
  2. Complete your business profile with company name, location, sector, and export ambitions
  3. Wait for application calls to open in your country—the programme will email you when a local call for applications begins
  4. When a call opens, submit your full application through the SheTrades portal with supporting business documents
  5. Engage with SheTrades Hub staff in your country if one is active near you for guidance on your application
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

The sources do not detail how applications are assessed or the timeline for decisions. Typically, trade accelerators in this space review applications over 4–8 weeks and notify selected participants by email. Once accepted, participants gain access to the online academy, webinars, buyer-matching events and trade fair opportunities. Selection usually prioritises businesses with clear export readiness and commitment to the programme's training activities.

What reviewers look for

  • Show a concrete product or service ready to export now—not a business idea at planning stage
  • Demonstrate your personal commitment: explain why you want to trade internationally and how SheTrades support will help
  • Include evidence your business is already operating (customer names, sales figures, production photos) even if informal
  • Align with SheTrades sectors: food processing, textiles, fashion, cosmetics and services tend to receive more attention
  • Emphasise willingness to engage in online training and cross-border trade; passive interest will weaken an application

Frequently asked questions

Does my business have to be registered formally with the government?

No. SheTrades accepts both formally and informally registered businesses. Informal traders can apply as long as they can show they operate a business.

Is there a fee to join SheTrades?

Registration and access to the platform are free. The programme subsidises trade fair participation and training, though some events may have small costs.

What if I don't have online access or poor internet?

SheTrades operates physical hubs in several African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. You can access training and support through these hubs if online participation is difficult.

Will SheTrades give me money or a grant?

SheTrades does not provide direct grants. It connects you to training, buyers, investors and funding organisations through its SheTrades Invest service. The programme helps you become investment-ready so you can approach capital providers.

How long does the programme last?

The sources do not specify a fixed programme duration. SheTrades operates as an ongoing platform with rolling access to training, events and networking. Once you join, you can participate in opportunities as they become available in your country.

Guide written from the official programme page on 8 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

How GrantPilot can help you apply

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