The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in collaboration with Tech Herfrica, the Ministry of Trade of Liberia, and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, conducted a three-day Training of Trainers workshop on digital skills for women in rural communities. The event took place from August 6 to 8, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia.
The purpose of the workshop was to improve digital inclusion by equipping women from underserved areas with digital tools and knowledge that can help them participate more fully in the economy. The training followed a model designed so that participants could later replicate the sessions within their own communities. This approach is intended to ensure sustainability and create grassroots impact among women and youth.
Mr. Wilmot E. Reeves, Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry, opened the event by expressing gratitude for ECOWAS’s role in bringing the program to Liberia. He stated: “This program aligns seamlessly with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.” He also highlighted challenges faced by low-income communities regarding digital literacy and called attention to disparities between rural and urban areas: “He concluded by accentuating the substantial disparity between rural and urban areas, urging collaborative efforts to bridge this significant gap.”
Her Excellency Josephine Nkrumah delivered remarks on behalf of Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission. She emphasized the importance of ECOWAS Vision 2050: “She highlighted the vision’s emphasis on fostering enhanced regional connectivity and integration.” She further referenced Pillars 3 and 4 of ECOWAS Vision 2050 as well as the ECOWAS Trade and Gender Action Plan. H.E. Nkrumah noted: “Concluding her remarks, H.E. Nkrumah affirmed that each participant in the training represents a future leader, expressing anticipation for the knowledge to be imparted by the trainers and the subsequent initiatives and follow-up actions that will emerge from this pivotal ‘training of trainers.'”
Honorable O. Natty B. Davis II, President of Liberia Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees by highlighting benefits for women entrepreneurs: “Training of Trainers” is a vital investment in human capital.” He said that providing digital skills helps unlock market access and strengthens local economies: “He concluded by urging participants to embrace their roles as mentors and leaders, assuring them of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting women’s entrepreneurship and digital inclusion for a more prosperous Liberia.”
Participants were trained on using digital platforms for business purposes—including smartphone use—alongside adult learning methodologies, social media marketing strategies, income generation methods, and digital payment systems.
As part of their practical experience during the workshop, trainees led sessions teaching other rural women what they had learned themselves—a method intended to reinforce both technical skills and teaching capacity.
This initiative forms part of broader efforts by ECOWAS aimed at promoting gender equality as well as economic development through digitization across West Africa.