Trade
Overview
Trade is a fundamental economic activity with deep linkages across all sectors, serving as the vital conduit through which goods and services move from producers to consumers. The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into trading processes significantly reduces transaction costs, streamlines logistics, and expands market opportunities, ultimately leading to lower trade costs, increased trade flows, and higher profits. However, despite these advantages, women—who play a crucial role in the global economy by investing significantly in the welfare and future of their families and communities—are often at risk of exclusion. In Kenya, for instance, women are 23% less likely than men to use mobile internet, and 17% less likely to own a smartphone, which are essential tools for engaging in ICT-enabled trade.
ACWICT’s women and trade programs are designed to bridge this gap by increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs and producers in cross-border trade in East Africa, leveraging the opportunities presented by ICTs. Through these programs, ACWICT ensures that women not only gain access to digital platforms but also enjoy greater economic benefits, such as reduced transaction costs, improved efficiencies in logistics, and expanded market opportunities. This approach has already shown positive outcomes: for example, women who have participated in ACWICT’s programs have reported a 20% increase in profits due to enhanced market access and lower transaction costs. By empowering women with the necessary digital skills and tools, ACWICT is helping to level the playing field, ensuring that women can fully participate in and benefit from the digital economy, thereby contributing to overall economic growth and development in the region.
