Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has announced the national rollout of WE-Elevate, a Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) initiative designed to strengthen female-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The announcement follows DCO’s expansion of the program across all Member States, unveiled during UNGA80 in New York.
WE-Elevate offers capacity-building support through online learning modules, mentorship, and access to trading platforms. It helps entrepreneurs transition from offline to online by providing step-by-step training in digital readiness, financial literacy, and cross-border e-commerce. By equipping women-led firms with essential skills, the program aims to boost formalization, customer reach, and sustainable job creation.
With Bahrain’s GDP projected at $46.2 billion in 2025, MSMEs already account for 17.8% of the national economy and play a central role in job growth. However, women remain underrepresented globally in STEM leadership, holding just 12.2% of C-suite roles. Initiatives like WE-Elevate seek to close these gaps, enabling women and youth entrepreneurs to compete in the digital economy.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, stated: “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.”
DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya added: “WE-Elevate is more than a program; it is a catalyst for empowerment and opportunity. By equipping women with digital tools and entrepreneurial support, we are fostering more inclusive, resilient, and innovative economies.”
The program builds on a successful pilot in Rwanda, where participating MSMEs improved digital capabilities, formalized operations, and gained access to new markets. Applications are now open for MSMEs from all DCO Member States through dco.org/initiatives/stride, marking a step forward in advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
