Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has confirmed the nationwide launch of WE-Elevate, a flagship programme created by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) to support and expand female-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative, unveiled during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, is part of a broader DCO plan to extend the programme across all of its Member States.
WE-Elevate is a capacity-building platform designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills in digital transformation, finance, and business growth. It combines online training modules, mentorship opportunities, and access to cross-border trading platforms to help small businesses transition from offline to online operations. Through structured, step-by-step training, participants are guided from basic digital literacy to advanced online trading skills, enabling them to reach new markets and formalise their business operations.
The initiative aims to help small companies, particularly those led by women, to strengthen their presence in the digital economy, expand their customer base, and generate sustainable employment. With Bahrain’s GDP forecast to reach $46.2 billion in 2025, MSMEs already contribute 17.8% of the national output, making them a vital part of economic growth and job creation.
Despite this, women remain significantly underrepresented in digital leadership globally, holding only 12.2% of C-suite roles in STEM industries. Programmes like WE-Elevate seek to address these disparities by equipping women and youth-led businesses with the digital skills needed to compete on a global stage.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said: “MSMEs are at the heart of Bahrain’s economy. The rollout of WE-Elevate strengthens our women-led businesses, giving them the confidence and tools to scale beyond borders.”
He added: “Our partnership with the DCO reflects Bahrain’s belief in the power of multilateral cooperation, and we are proud to be part of an organization that champions inclusive digital transformation across Member States.”
DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya said: “WE-Elevate goes beyond being just a programme; it is a catalyst for empowerment and opportunity. By providing women with the skills, digital tools, and support to thrive in the online economy, we are strengthening the foundations for more inclusive, resilient, and innovative Member State economies.”
She highlighted the success of the pilot programme in Rwanda, where participating MSMEs improved their digital readiness, formalised their businesses, and gained access to new international markets. “It also underscored the crucial role of female-led SMEs in driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth in the digital economy,” AlYahya said.
The programme also supports Bahrain’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Applications are now open to eligible MSMEs across all DCO Member States. Interested entrepreneurs can register their interest and start their digital transformation journey.
