Women in Digital Business (WIDB) in Kenya: Empowering Women in the Digital Economy
Women in Digital Business (WIDB) is a transformative program empowering Kenyan women to thrive in today’s digital economy. Founded as a partnership between the International Training Centre of the ILO and Microsoft Philanthropies, WIDB’s goal is to bridge the digital divide for women entrepreneurs by providing access to digital skills training and tools[1][2]. In Kenya, this initiative is helping women entrepreneurs – from bustling Nairobi to remote villages – gain the knowledge, mentorship, and support they need to grow sustainable businesses online. The tone of WIDB is inclusive and empowering, aiming to unlock the potential of women-led businesses and foster economic equality through technology.
What is Women in Digital Business (WIDB)?
Women in Digital Business (WIDB) is a global training and mentorship program designed to equip women entrepreneurs with digital business skills. Launched in 2022, WIDB was developed jointly by the International Labour Organization’s training centre (ITC-ILO) and Microsoft Philanthropies[1]. It was created to “unlock the participation of women entrepreneurs in the digital economy” by offering training programs on digital skills through a worldwide network of trainers[1]. In practical terms, WIDB helps women learn how to use technology – from social media and e-commerce platforms to digital finance tools – to start or expand their businesses online.
While WIDB is a global initiative, its impact is very much felt in Kenya. The program is active across multiple Kenyan counties, working with local trainers and institutions to reach women in both urban centers and rural communities. A joint effort by ITC-ILO, the ILO’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Development (WED) program, and Microsoft ensures that Kenyan women entrepreneurs receive world-class training content tailored to their needs[3]. This includes helping participants build an online presence, set up digital sales channels, and integrate technology into their daily business operations[3]. In short, WIDB is about empowering women in Kenya to leverage digital tools for business growth and economic opportunity.
Mission and Vision of the WIDB Program
The mission of WIDB is clear: to bridge the digital gender gap and enable women entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital era[2]. Many women-led businesses in developing regions have traditionally been left behind by technology. WIDB seeks to change that by delivering training and coaching that build women’s digital competencies, confidence, and access to markets[2]. By doing so, the program envisions a future where women-owned businesses can compete equally and thrive in the online marketplace. The vision is a more inclusive digital economy – one where Kenyan women entrepreneurs are not just participants but leaders, innovating and creating jobs through digital business.
In Kenya, this vision means reaching women who might otherwise lack the chance to learn digital skills. Around the world, women face persistent barriers in starting and growing businesses, and these challenges are pronounced in the digital space[4][5]. WIDB’s founding partners recognized that very few digital skills programs catered to women entrepreneurs in emerging economies[6]. Therefore, they set out to build a program that meets women at their level of need – whether that’s basic digital literacy for a market vendor in Mombasa or advanced e-commerce strategies for a fashion designer in Nairobi. By 2024, WIDB had already aimed to train 30,000 women entrepreneurs with essential digital skills for sustainable livelihoods[7]. This ambitious target underscores the program’s commitment to scale its impact across countries like Kenya and beyond.
“Bridging the digital divide for women entrepreneurs” is the program’s motto[8], and it encapsulates both mission and vision. WIDB ultimately strives for a world where a woman in Kenya with a great business idea is not held back by lack of digital know-how or resources. Instead, she can access training, mentorship, and tools that allow her to compete in the digital marketplace on equal footing. The end goal is not just individual success stories, but a wider economic empowerment of women that benefits families, communities, and the country’s development.
Who Does the WIDB Program Target?
WIDB primarily targets women entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. The program is open to women of ages 18 to 60 across Kenya (and Africa at large) who have a business idea or an existing small business they want to grow[9]. You do not need to be a tech expert or run a tech company to join WIDB – in fact, the program especially welcomes women leading non-tech micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who may have little prior exposure to digital tools[10][11]. Whether you’re a farmer, a retailer, a craft artisan, or a service provider, if you are a woman looking to enhance your business through digital means, WIDB is designed for you.
Importantly, WIDB uses a “train-the-trainer” model to extend its reach to as many women as possible. This means the program isn’t only for end-beneficiaries (entrepreneurs), but also for business coaches, mentors, and trainers who want to become certified WIDB facilitators[12][13]. By training local Kenyan trainers and partner institutions, WIDB creates a multiplying effect where those trainers in turn educate and mentor groups of women entrepreneurs in their communities[14]. This approach has helped WIDB spread into remote areas: for example, in western Kenya, a WIDB lead trainer travels to villages on Rusinga Island to teach digital marketing to women who otherwise have limited access to such resources[15]. Through this cascading model, the program effectively targets women at the grassroots level, even in marginalized communities where digital skills training is scarce.
In summary, WIDB’s target audience in Kenya includes:
- Aspiring women entrepreneurs – those with a business idea or startup dream.
- Current women business owners – especially owners of micro and small enterprises who want to digitalize and expand.
- Women in any sector – from agriculture and crafts to retail and services, not just “tech” businesses.
- Business educators and mentors – women and men with experience in training or coaching, who can be trained as WIDB Lead Trainers to reach more women entrepreneurs[16].
By focusing on this broad group, WIDB ensures that no woman is left behind. Whether you’re in Nairobi or a rural town, the program is built to meet you at your skill level. Notably, the core WIDB curriculum is offered in multiple languages (English, French, and Spanish, with local adaptations encouraged) – even Swahili materials are available[17]. This language inclusion helps WIDB resonate with women across Kenya, making the training more accessible and effective.
Training, Mentorship, and Support Offered by WIDB
One of the strongest aspects of WIDB is the comprehensive training and support it provides. The program goes far beyond a one-time course – it offers a suite of learning opportunities, mentoring, and even resources to help women entrepreneurs succeed. Here’s what participants in Kenya can expect from WIDB:
- Foundational Digital Business Training: WIDB’s journey typically starts with the Foundations Programme on Digital Skills[18]. This is an introductory course (about 25 hours total) that teaches the basics of taking a business digital. Participants learn why going digital is important, how to establish an online presence (through social media, websites, or online marketplaces), and how to start selling products or services online[18]. The training also covers how digital tools can make daily business operations more efficient and responsive to customer needs[18]. In Kenya, this foundational training can be delivered online, in-person, or in a hybrid format by certified WIDB trainers, making it flexible for women who may be balancing other responsibilities[19]. By the end of the foundation course, each woman develops a personalized Digital Action Plan for her business – essentially a roadmap for implementing the new skills in her own enterprise.
- Advanced and Specialized Courses: After completing the basics, WIDB offers specialized learning paths for deeper skills. Graduates gain access to advanced self-paced courses (formerly known as WIDB.Learn) on high-demand topics like digital marketing, e-commerce, online financial management, and more[20]. These modules allow women to continue upgrading their capabilities – for instance, learning how to plan a full digital transformation for their business, improving their bookkeeping with digital tools, or mastering online customer engagement strategies[21]. The specialized courses are curated by the WIDB team and often updated to include the latest trends (for example, recent content includes using AI and data management, as the program keeps pace with technology changes). This tiered approach (basic to advanced) ensures that entrepreneurs can progressively build their skillset and confidence.
- One-on-One Coaching and Mentorship: Training in WIDB isn’t just about watching videos or attending workshops; it comes with a human touch. Participants receive personalized coaching from experienced trainers and mentors throughout the program[22]. Coaches help women apply what they learn to their specific business challenges. For example, a mentor might help a participant refine her Facebook marketing strategy for her boutique, or guide her on setting up mobile money payment options for her customers. This mentorship aspect is crucial in building confidence. Many women find that having a supportive mentor to answer questions and provide feedback makes the learning experience much more effective and less intimidating.
- Business Formalization Support: A distinctive feature of WIDB is its support for business formalization and growth. The program recognizes that registering and formalizing a business can be a hurdle for small entrepreneurs. Thus, WIDB provides guidance and resources to help women legally register their businesses, comply with regulations, and develop their branding. In fact, qualifying participants may receive financial assistance to cover business registration fees and related compliance costs[23][24]. WIDB trainers walk entrepreneurs through the steps of opening business bank accounts, obtaining necessary licenses or tax IDs, and other steps to move from informal to formal business operations[23]. On the branding side, women can get support in creating simple websites or online storefronts, designing logos or marketing materials, and improving product packaging and presentation[25]. This holistic approach means WIDB doesn’t just teach digital skills in isolation – it helps women actually apply them to formalize and scale up their enterprises.
- Networking and Community: When you join WIDB in Kenya, you also join a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs. The program often facilitates networking through cohort-based training (so you learn alongside peers) and through its broader alumni network across Africa. Participants can share experiences, challenges, and solutions, often continuing to support each other long after the formal training ends. WIDB graduates in Kenya have been known to form WhatsApp groups to trade tips or even collaborate on projects. This sense of community is empowering – it shows women that they are not alone on this journey of digital entrepreneurship.
- Access to Funding Opportunities: While WIDB itself is primarily a training program, it creates pathways to financial opportunities. Top-performing participants may gain access to investment readiness training and introductions to potential investors or grant programs[26][27]. The idea is to prepare women-led businesses to pitch for funding and to connect them with networks that can provide capital to fuel their growth. Additionally, by learning how to sell online, many women unlock new revenue streams (some start accessing customers via online marketplaces or social media sales, which effectively is bringing more money into their business even without external funding).
Notably, all of these offerings are fully-funded or provided at no cost to the participants. WIDB is 100% sponsored by its partners and does not charge women in the program, lowering the barrier to entry[28][29]. This is a big advantage for many Kenyan women who might not afford such training otherwise. In summary, WIDB provides a rich package of training, mentorship, practical support (tools and funding for business needs), and a lasting support network. It’s not a one-off workshop – it’s a sustained empowerment platform that accompanies a woman entrepreneur through the stages of digital business growth.
Impact of WIDB on Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya
The impact of the Women in Digital Business program on Kenyan women entrepreneurs has been profound. By equipping women with digital skills and support, WIDB is helping to transform small businesses and, in many cases, change lives. Here are some ways the program is impacting women in Kenya:
- Reaching New Markets and Customers: Many women entrepreneurs who underwent WIDB training have dramatically expanded their customer base beyond their local area. For example, on Rusinga Island (Western Kenya), women who once could only sell products within their village are now marketing their goods on Facebook and Instagram, reaching buyers across the country[15]. One local cooperative president shared a striking story: a woman trained by WIDB posted on social media about her dried fish (“omena”) for sale, and soon she was receiving orders from major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, and even far-flung towns like Wajir in the north[30]. By going digital, these entrepreneurs overcame the geographic isolation that previously limited their businesses. As he put it, digital tools became “the only way to overcome remoteness and break the isolation” that rural women entrepreneurs faced[30]. This kind of market expansion translates into higher revenues and business growth.
- Increasing Income and Business Growth: With new digital skills, many women have reported higher sales and income. Globally, WIDB data shows that by embracing digital tools, a large number of women entrepreneurs have significantly grown their customer base and earnings[31]. In Kenya, anecdotal evidence mirrors this trend – for instance, women who learned to list their handicrafts on e-commerce sites or aggressively promote via WhatsApp groups have seen their orders multiply. The ability to accept mobile money payments (like M-Pesa) and manage finances digitally also helps these businesses run more efficiently and transparently, which can attract more customers and even financing. In short, WIDB graduates often turn their once small, informal businesses into growing enterprises with a wider reach.
- Empowering New Ventures and Confidence: WIDB’s impact is not only measured in shillings and sales; it’s also about personal empowerment. Take Fatuma’s story as an example. Fatuma is a young woman from Shimoni (a coastal town near the Tanzania border) who always had a passion for hairdressing[32]. Before WIDB, she operated as a mobile hairdresser, visiting clients at their homes, and felt limited in how much she could expand. After joining the WIDB program, Fatuma gained the confidence and knowledge to open her own physical salon – something she once only dreamed of[32]. Through the digital training, she learned how to showcase her hairstyles and beauty products online, which drew customers from beyond her immediate town. “The digital training gave me the confidence to open a physical salon,” Fatuma says, and by advertising her work on social media she attracted a whole new client base[33]. Her story is one of many where WIDB has inspired women to pursue bigger goals, formalize their businesses, and believe in their entrepreneurial potential.
- Breaking Social Barriers: In addition to economic benefits, WIDB in Kenya has had a meaningful social impact. In some communities, women (especially young women) traditionally have not been encouraged to run businesses or learn technology. Programs like WIDB are changing that narrative. Joan Wafula, a high school teacher and WIDB lead trainer in Shimoni, noted that many of her female students already ran small side businesses and faced pressure to abandon their ambitions and marry young[34]. By integrating WIDB’s digital business training for these girls, Joan has seen a shift – the girls gain tools to become financially independent, which helps break the cycle of early marriage and limited career opportunities[34]. In this way, WIDB is planting seeds of cultural change, showing families and communities that women’s education in entrepreneurship and tech can lead to success and independence.
- Community Knowledge Sharing: Yet another impact is the creation of a local support ecosystem. Because WIDB encourages graduates to become trainers or mentors, knowledge doesn’t just reside with one person – it spreads. In Nairobi’s Koma Rock area, for example, a lead trainer named Fidelis Wangithi observed that women who complete the training often don’t keep the knowledge to themselves. “Women who complete the training either become trainers themselves or share what they’ve learned with others, creating a chain reaction of opportunity,” she explains[35]. This means one woman’s success can spark others in her community to pursue digital skills, amplifying the impact. Over time, such community-led mentorship builds local capacity and ensures the program’s benefits are sustainable.
Overall, since its inception, WIDB has built a growing network of empowered women. Globally, the initiative has trained over 930 lead trainers across 40+ countries and reached more than 30,000 women entrepreneurs as of 2025[36]. Kenya is an important part of this network. Each Kenyan success story – whether it’s a tailor from Kilifi selling garments online or a group of refugee women in Kakuma learning to code for their businesses – contributes to a larger movement of women driving digital innovation. As the program continues, we are seeing more Kenyan women overcome traditional hurdles (lack of technology access, limited business networks, etc.) and step into the digital marketplace with confidence.
Success Stories and Key Achievements
WIDB’s rollout in Kenya has led to numerous success stories and notable achievements, both for individual participants and the program as a whole. Here are a few highlights:
- Faith’s Online Tailoring Business: Faith Antony Baya, a tailor from the coastal town of Shimoni, is one shining example of WIDB’s impact[37]. After undergoing WIDB training, Faith learned how to create an online presence for her tailoring business. She started showcasing her custom garments on social media and local online marketplaces. The result? She transformed from serving just her village to shipping orders from all over Kenya. Faith’s monthly income increased substantially as she tapped into online customer demand, demonstrating how digital skills can turn a local business into a regional one. She credits WIDB for giving her the skills and confidence to use platforms like Facebook to advertise her designs and even take orders via WhatsApp – strategies she hadn’t considered before.
- Ouma and the Kaswanga Women: On Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria, trainer Ouma Gordon has become a local hero by bringing WIDB training to his community. Ouma would travel over an hour on rough roads to reach Kaswanga village, where he conducted digital skills sessions for women entrepreneurs[15]. Before this, most of these women had only ever used their mobile phones for basic calls or texts. After training, they discovered the power of the internet. Women who sell homemade crafts, farm produce, or cooked meals started using Facebook and Instagram to market their products – something they never imagined doing[15]. One by one, these women began receiving inquiries and orders from towns far beyond their village. This success has greatly boosted their incomes and confidence. The achievement here isn’t just individual – it’s communal. Kaswanga’s women entrepreneurs are now known for their digital savvy in the region, and they inspire neighboring communities to get on board with WIDB. The local cooperative even proudly displays a poster of the WIDB initiative at its entrance as a testament to the program’s impact[38].
- Program Achievements and Milestones: WIDB as a program has hit significant milestones that reflect its success. In a relatively short time since launch, it has built a network of hundreds of trainers and thousands of trained women entrepreneurs globally[36]. In Kenya alone, WIDB has been introduced in multiple counties, often in collaboration with local organizations (schools, NGOs, and community groups). A key achievement is that a large portion of participants go on to earn an official WIDB certificate upon completing their training[36]. This certification not only validates their skills but also grants them access to further opportunities – such as advanced courses or even becoming trainers themselves. The fact that about one-third of WIDB-trained women globally have become certified and pursued higher-level programs or mentorship is a sign of the program’s effectiveness[39]. It shows that WIDB doesn’t lose participants along the way; instead, many are motivated to keep engaging and advancing.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: The success of WIDB in Kenya is also due to strong partnerships. The program was kick-started by a collaboration between major international players – the ILO (and its ITCILO arm) and Microsoft – bringing together expertise in entrepreneurship training and technology[3]. Microsoft Philanthropies, in particular, has provided resources to support connectivity, digital curriculum development, and even AI skills integration into WIDB[40]. This means Kenyan participants benefit from up-to-date content on things like digital safety, automation, and artificial intelligence, preparing them for the future of work[41]. On the ground in Kenya, WIDB works with local institutions such as vocational training centers, universities, and entrepreneurship hubs to host trainings and reach target groups. For instance, BDIT College in Nairobi and SIYB Kenya (Start and Improve Your Business network) have been involved in rolling out WIDB programs locally, providing venues and outreach to get women enrolled. Such partnerships ensure that WIDB is not a standalone effort but woven into Kenya’s broader ecosystem of women’s economic empowerment initiatives.
- Recognition and Momentum: WIDB’s achievements are also being recognized publicly. The program was highlighted around International Women’s Day and International Girls in ICT Day events in Kenya, showcasing success stories of women who have gone digital. This recognition has helped attract more aspiring entrepreneurs to sign up. It has also led to additional support – for example, local government bodies and NGOs have begun aligning with WIDB objectives, sometimes providing complementary resources like internet access points or lending devices for trainees who lack smartphones. The momentum is clearly building. As one Microsoft Philanthropies director put it, “We believe women should be at the forefront of the digital revolution,” underscoring the commitment to scale up opportunities for women entrepreneurs in developing countries like Kenya[42].
In summary, the success stories coming out of WIDB in Kenya range from individual business transformations (like Fatuma’s salon or Faith’s online boutique) to community-wide changes (like Kaswanga’s digital marketplace) and system-level achievements (global reach and high certification rates). Each story and milestone reinforces the fact that when women are given the right digital skills and support, they excel. And when they excel, they uplift others – employees are hired, families gain more income, and other women get inspired to follow suit. These achievements point to WIDB being a catalyst for a larger wave of women-led digital entrepreneurship in Kenya.
How to Join or Participate in the WIDB Program
If you’re a woman in Kenya reading this and wondering how to get involved with Women in Digital Business, joining the program is straightforward and open to all eligible women. Here’s a step-by-step guide on participating in WIDB:
1. Check for Open Applications: WIDB operates in cohorts, and new training sessions or “intakes” are announced periodically. To join, keep an eye on official WIDB communication channels for calls for applications. The best place to start is the WIDB website’s Opportunities page, where upcoming training programs are listed[43]. This site will show if there are any current programs in Kenya (or pan-African online programs) accepting new participants. Additionally, follow WIDB or partner social media pages – for instance, announcements are sometimes posted via ILO social media or local partner pages – especially around times when a new cohort is launching.
2. Eligibility Self-Check: Before applying, ensure you meet the basic eligibility. Generally, you should be a woman between 18 and 60 years old residing in Kenya (citizenship is not strictly required – refugees and immigrants in Kenya can often apply too, as inclusivity is a goal). You should have at least a business idea or a small running business. No specific educational background is required. However, since some training may be online, you’ll need access to an internet-enabled device (a smartphone or computer) and basic English proficiency, as many materials are in English[9][44]. If you meet these criteria, you’re a great candidate for WIDB. Remember, your business does not need to be tech-related – the program welcomes traditional businesses (farmers, crafters, shop owners, etc.) looking to go digital.
3. Submit Your Application: Applications are typically submitted online. The call for applications will provide a link or form to fill in your details. You’ll likely need to answer a few questions about your business or idea, your current level of digital usage, and your motivation to join. Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy – the program is designed to teach you from the ground up, so just be honest about your experience. One tip is to highlight your commitment to complete the training and implement what you learn; WIDB selectors often look for entrepreneurs who demonstrate passion and persistence, since those are the ones who benefit most. In some cases (like recent pan-African cohorts), selection may also consider the potential of your business idea and ensuring a diverse group of participants[26].
4. Joining as a Trainer (Optional): If you happen to be a business trainer or have experience in entrepreneurship coaching, you can also join WIDB as a Lead Trainer. WIDB regularly trains new lead trainers who then deliver the program locally[12]. The process for this usually involves a separate application and a short intensive Training-of-Trainers course. Trainers learn the WIDB content and effective ways to teach adult learners. Upon completion, they earn a certification that allows them to run WIDB workshops and even certify entrepreneurs in their region[45][46]. In Kenya, expanding the trainer network is key to reaching more women, so experienced professionals are welcome to get involved in this capacity. The Opportunities section of the WIDB site also lists calls for trainers when available[47].
5. Participate and Engage: Once accepted into the program (either as a trainee or trainer), you’ll receive details on the schedule and format. If it’s an online program, make sure you have a stable internet connection during session times and a quiet place to participate. If it’s in-person, you’ll be given a venue (for example, a local college or community center). Attendance and engagement are key – the more you put into the exercises and mentorship sessions, the more you’ll get out. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and connect with your peers and trainers. WIDB is very interactive, and building those relationships will enrich your experience.
6. Leverage Post-Training Opportunities: After completing the training, you’ll receive a WIDB certificate (if you meet the requirements and pass the assessments). At this point, you become part of the WIDB alumni network. Be sure to leverage this! You can join alumni meet-ups, advanced webinars, or even apply for advanced learning paths if you want to specialize further[20]. Some graduates go on to join innovation challenges or incubation programs recommended by WIDB and its partners. Also, keep an eye out for any funding or pitch events that WIDB might circulate to alumni – these could be chances to secure capital for your business growth.
7. Spread the Word: Finally, WIDB encourages you to pay it forward. Once you’ve benefited from the program, you can help others by sharing your new knowledge. Perhaps you’ll mentor a fellow woman entrepreneur, or simply implement practices that inspire your employees or community. This spirit of collaboration and lifting others up is at the heart of WIDB’s ethos.
Joining WIDB in Kenya is a straightforward and rewarding process. The program is free of charge, so the main investment is your time and dedication. From the moment you apply to the moment you finish the training, you’ll be guided by a supportive team committed to your success. As WIDB continues to expand across Kenya (including Nairobi and other cities and towns), it’s becoming easier than ever to participate. Whether online or in-person, there’s likely a WIDB opportunity that can fit your situation – so take the leap and become part of this empowering journey.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Women in Digital Business program in Kenya, along with brief answers for quick reference:
FAQs about Women in Digital Business in Kenya
Q1: How can I join the Women in Digital Business program in Kenya?
A: To join WIDB in Kenya, you should look out for open calls for applications on the official WIDB website or through partner organizations or Lear Trainers Mr. Chrisantus Soita Wasike or Mr. Yashpal K Sihag working with Elimu Masters hub – Mombasa. When a training cohort is announced, you can apply online by filling out the application form with your details and business information. If selected, you’ll be enrolled in the next training program (which may be online or in-person). Remember that the program is free when sponsership is available else little fees applies by the implimenting organization Elimu Masters Hub – so if you meet the eligibility (being a woman entrepreneur or aspiring WIDB Trainer in Kenya), you are encouraged to apply. For current opportunities and application links, visit the Clik on the link below or contact the WIDB trainer network at Elimu Masters Hub in Kenya.
Q2: What is WIDB and what does it offer?
A: WIDB stands for Women in Digital Business, a training and empowerment program co-founded by the ILO’s training centre and Microsoft. It offers women entrepreneurs a comprehensive package of support to thrive in the digital economy. This includes digital skills training (like how to use social media, e-commerce, and other online tools for business), mentorship and coaching during the training, support to formalize and register your business, and connections to networks and potential funding opportunities[22]. Essentially, WIDB provides the knowledge, guidance, and resources needed to start or grow a business using digital technology. Graduates also get a certificate and become part of a community of women entrepreneurs. In Kenya, WIDB’s offerings are tailored to local needs – for example, training might incorporate mobile money usage or local e-marketplaces that are popular in the region.
Q3: Is WIDB available in Nairobi or other Kenyan cities?
A: Yes, WIDB is available in Nairobi and has reach across other Kenyan counties as well. The program is designed to be accessible nationwide. Thanks to its online components and its train-the-trainer model, women from any part of Kenya can participate as long as they have an internet connection or can attend a local training session. In Nairobi, there have been in-person WIDB sessions (sometimes hosted at colleges or innovation hubs). Outside Nairobi, WIDB trainers have conducted sessions in places like Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, and even very remote villages (e.g., on Rusinga Island and in coastal towns like Shimoni, as highlighted by success stories)[48][32]. If you’re in a major town, there may be an upcoming physical workshop you can join; if not, you can always join the online cohorts which welcome Kenyan women from any location. The goal is to leave no region behind, so WIDB in Kenya is actively expanding its city and rural presence through partnerships and local trainers.
Q4: Who is eligible for Women in Digital Business training?
A: WIDB training is open to adult women (usually 18-60 years old) who are either running a small business or planning to start one[10]. You should be residing in Kenya (or another African country if applying to the regional program) and be motivated to learn digital skills. You don’t need a tech background or a degree – the program welcomes women with all levels of education and from any industry. Even if your business is very small or still just an idea, you are encouraged to apply. The key things you’ll need are: basic literacy (since the training is conducted in languages like English or Swahili), access to a smartphone or computer with internet (for online training components), and the commitment to attend the full course. There is a preference to support women who have less access to such opportunities – for example, women running non-tech businesses or those in underserved communities – but essentially any woman entrepreneur who wants to leverage digital tools for her business’ growth is eligible. If you’re unsure, it’s worth applying or reaching out to the organizers for clarification, because the program tries to be as inclusive as possible.
Q5: Are there success stories from WIDB in Kenya?
A: Absolutely, there are many inspiring success stories from the WIDB program in Kenya. For instance, women have used the training to increase their sales and reach international customers online. One notable story is about a group of women in a village on Rusinga Island who learned social media marketing through WIDB – they went from selling products locally to fulfilling orders from cities all over Kenya, thanks to Facebook and WhatsApp[15][30]. Another success story is Fatuma from Shimoni, who opened a new hair salon after gaining digital business skills; she now promotes her salon services online and has grown her client base beyond her immediate town[32]. We also have stories of young women gaining independence – for example, students who used WIDB training to turn their small side hustles into formal businesses, breaking norms in their communities. These stories highlight how WIDB training translates into real improvements in income, business expansion, and personal empowerment. They serve as proof that with the right support, women entrepreneurs in Kenya can achieve remarkable success in the digital age.
Every aspect of Women in Digital Business in Kenya – from its mission to its on-the-ground impact – showcases a powerful commitment to uplifting women through technology. As Kenya continues to digitize its economy, programs like WIDB ensure that women are not left behind but are in fact leading the way in digital entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur ready to launch your idea, or an established businesswoman looking to scale up, WIDB offers a welcoming platform to learn, connect, and grow. The success of Kenyan women in WIDB so far sends a clear message: when women have equal access to digital skills and opportunities, the entire economy benefits – and a more inclusive, prosperous future becomes possible for everyone.
Sources: Women in Digital Business Program – ITC-ILO & Microsoft[1][2]; ITC-ILO Story on WIDB in Kenya[3][15][30][33]; WIDB Training Curriculum Details[18][49]; WIDB Africa Pilot Call (2025)[9][22]; ITC-ILO WIDB Impact Data[39][50].
Reference and citation links
[2] [4] [5] [6] [16] [17] About WIDB | WIDB
https://www.widb.network/local/edwiserpagebuilder/pagedraft.php?id=1
[3] [14] [15] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [42] [48] [50] Breaking barriers with digital skills: Empowering women entrepreneurs in Kenya | ITCILO
https://www.itcilo.org/stories/breaking-barriers-digital-skills-empowering-women-entrepreneurs-kenya
[7] [41] Women in Digital Business: Bridging the digital divide for women entrepreneurs – Source Asia
[9] [10] [22] [26] [27] [28] Apply for the 2025 ITCILO Women in Digital Business Training of Entrepreneurs (to Train 50,000 African Women)
https://www.afterschoolafrica.com/99173/women-in-digital-business-training-program
[11] [23] [25] Women in Digital Business (WiDB) Program
[12] [13] [18] [19] [20] [21] [43] [45] [46] [47] [49] WIDB: Training Programmes | WIDB
https://www.widb.network/mod/page/view.php?id=4
[24] [44] Women in Digital Business (WiDB) Training Program 2025 – Opportunity Desk
[29] WIDB – Kujia Kenya