A Virtual Marketplace for Greater Inclusion of Women in Regional Trade ProgrammesRegional Trade Facilitation
Trade is a cornerstone of East African economies, crucial for job creation, food and energy security, and poverty alleviation.
Despite the importance of regional trade, women in trade face significant challenges in connecting with buyers and showcasing their products and services. To address these issues, Sauti East Africa worked with the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP) to develop a virtual marketplace. This initiative aimed to enhance the visibility and digital connectivity of women-owned businesses across East Africa.
challenge
Women in East African trade have found it difficult to connect with buyers and effectively showcase their services and products. The barriers to entry for women in trade remain high, limiting their participation and growth in the industry. A critical need exists for a platform that can increase the visibility of these businesses and facilitate connections with potential buyers.
project
The project’s main objectives were to:
- Create a virtual marketplace to showcase sellers and their products.
- Connect women entrepreneurs with buyers, facilitating meaningful business relationships.
- Increase the number of women participating in trade by eliminating barriers to entry.
- Develop a Training Hub with webinar content to support the education and growth of women SMEs.
The development process included:
- Conducting scoping meetings with EAWiBP staff and potential users.
- Generating a customer journey map and testing designs with potential users.
- Producing a customized content management system, with a vendor management system, and tailored branding.
- Launch event for the virtual marketplace and training hub.
results
The project led to the creation of an interactive virtual marketplace, significantly increasing the visibility of women-owned businesses. Key achievements include:
- Pilot registration of 188 women vendors, showcasing their products and contact details.
- Integration with existing entrepreneurial platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, ensuring relevance and sustainability.
- Development of a Training Hub with 10 webinar modules to support women SMEs.
- Production of a 10-page technical manual for the EAWiBP technical team.
- Conducting training sessions for the EAWiBP technical team on platform content management.
Since its launch, the virtual marketplace has enabled many vendors to showcase their products and services, fostering connections between buyers and sellers. This initiative has supported the growth and sustainability of women’s businesses in East Africa by providing a supportive online environment and essential training resources.
Similar Projects by Sauti
The platform was first released in Kenya and Uganda in 2017 with the East African Sub Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI). It was designed to empower women cross-border traders in “low-technology” and periphery areas of Kenya and Uganda to trade legally, profitably, and safely across East African borders.
Current projections of climate change impacts are set to increase the challenges to sustainable agricultural crops and livestock livelihoods throughout Kenya. According to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, “droughts, floods, livestock diseases and armed conflicts are wiping out their livelihoods, underscoring the need for Kenya to help its poorest population adapt by developing sustainable ways of making a living in the drylands.”
