The in-depth digital knowledge platform of the International Trade Centre explores export development and trade issues in developing and least developed countries. The contributions focus on trade promotion and export development as part of the International Trade Centre’s technical cooperation programme with developing countries and economies in transition.
Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, technology, and business of plant cultivation. What does the sector look like in Africa? With agriculture being the backbone in many African economies, Holland Greentech’s mission is to invest sustainably in horticulture...
As 2022 came to a close, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, became the fastest-growing app in history, reaching an estimated 123 million users less than three months after its launch. It is the most prominent specimen of AI-tools that generate content such as text, pictures, and software...
Exploring the e-commerce landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean
Trade Forum interviewed two African tech start-ups that attended the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February 2023 through the support of the International Trade Centre and GSMA. The world’s biggest mobile event gathered more than 88,500 telecom operators, entrepreneurs, corporations, and...
As we mark this year’s International Day of Forests, the International Trade Centre reflects on how best to promote the conservation and sustainable use of forests while protecting people living from and within them. We do so by looking at business practices that can halt deforestation and forest...
The International Trade Centre explores new avenues for exports from least developed countries that move to the next stage
How can economic development, trade and investment contribute to peace and stability?
As a young person, figuring out what to do with your life is never an easy task. Even more so for young women in least developed economies. This is the inspiring story of Naila Sakandé from Burkina Faso who weaved her way to financial independence – and has big dreams.
Pinphet Phongsouli not only made drip coffee popular in her hometown of Pakse, but is also a café owner, the first Lao woman to be certified as Q grader, and a Robusta and Arabica coffee producer.
From ego systems to ecosystems: ITC developed a diagnostic tool for ecosystems that promotes entrepreneurship and helps start-ups thrive
Making a profit in the creative industries is challenging. The more so in developing countries, where fine arts are not yet valued enough as a stable, income-generating profession. Musa Sarr from the Gambia is hoping to change that.
Trade Forum talked with Sarah Adiyo from Juba County in South Sudan. Driven by her urge to be independent, the 25-year-old retailer is working hard to educating herself and becoming a successful business woman. Her resilience and strength are remarkable, despite the challenges she has been facing....
Small businesses have huge potential to supercharge the green economy transition, but are at risk of being left on the side-lines
Why women entrepreneurs can provide the spark to revitalize global trade
How sustainable agricultural practices in smallholder farming can bring food security and reduce poverty worldwide, especially in developing and least developed countries
An innovative technological approach connects young entrepreneurs with mentors
The European Union in Iraq together with its partners create jobs for the country's youth, with a focus on agriculture and food security
Trade Forum talked to lecturers, Bupe Simuchimba and Dale Mudenda of the University of Zambia about their findings and recommendations when it comes to small businesses in Lusaka using the internet – and how connected they really are.
Trade Forum talked with social entrepreneur Eliza Barbaczy of Itza Wood, who joined her mother in creating a sustainable, inclusive and eco-friendly home-décor brand based on native wood. The brand not only supports youth and women in the community of the Peten Jungle, but also gives...
Linking technology to agriculture in an ITC pilot shows what successful collaboration looks like. A story from Ghana.
Trade Forum talked with Hugues Didier, co-founder of ethical and sustainable fashion brand Panafrica. From the fascinating prints and fabrics of West Africa, building your business as a social entrepreneur despite the many challenges, and tackling a forgotten supply chain with meaning: read on to...
Trade Forum talked with three young researchers from the Graduate Institute of International Development Studies in Geneva to find out which challenges young people are facing when trying to get financial support. As part of ITC’s collaboration with the Graduate Institute,...
How do you keep solar power running after the panels have been installed? You only need the right maintenance, says civil engineer Douglas Baguma from Uganda. His company Innovex offers cloud-based IoT solutions that could spur the continent’s use of solar power.
With her will and vision, Kenyan entrepreneur Yvonne Otieno maintains sustainable production practices.
Digital skills and technology play a crucial role in driving entrepreneurship among youth in Africa
Riding the boom in organic products, Bouchra Masrour has carved out a niche in Tunisia’s cosmetics industry. She grows the ingredients, makes the products, and sells them. Now, she’s ready to export.
Trade Forum had the opportunity to talk with Sheker Akiniyazova, an inspiring artist, to find out what moved her to build her business, Keshde Art-Studio. She is also a member of the Union of Architects of Turkmenistan and an active volunteer for programmes that support children with disabilities....
What do you get when you mix passion for sustainable waste management with innovative minds? Recycle X. The start-up company wants to revolutionize the construction industry. And they are on a promising path to achieving just that.
Empowering women through public procurement is realistic and urgent, as shown in this expert contribution for Trade Forum.
Trading sustainable products from the Peruvian Amazon creates the harmony between money, people, and planet that the world needs, says Shiwi Founder Sofía Rubio.
As businesses around the world navigate the economic effects of a global pandemic, KAEME is determined to remain resilient in pursuing its mission.
A 7-minute inspirational interview on why every woman everywhere, should be empowered to chart their own economic path.
Seven years ago, three young women created social enterprise Du Anyam to ensure additional income for women communities in rural Indonesia. Their business has reached an impact far beyond their imagination.
A new ITC pilot uses blockchain technology and digitized traceability systems to support women coffee farmers in Rwanda.
Pasciolco Agri Ventures is contributing to the sustainable, economic development of the Philippine community of Quezon by exporting its organic coconut products to the European Union. A business that began 25 years ago with a basic manufacturing facility inside a coconut farm, today...
Attracting and retaining youth in the agricultural sector remains a challenge. However, working in agriculture might be just the right answer to tackling growing youth unemployment on the African continent.
Women’s business associations are leveraging trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
In this live interview, Natalia Cano, Head of Brand & Reputation Asia Pacific at Google, demonstrates Google’s economic impact and digital responsibility.
Chairs: H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme- Ambassador of Botswana H.E. Ana Patricia Benedetti Zelaya- Ambassador of El Salvador H.E. Harald Aspelund- Ambassador of Iceland The World Trade Organization (WTO) has increasingly embarked on broader efforts towards gender balance and...
Investing in women’s economic empowerment, sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth.
Evelyn Seltier of the International Trade Centre talked with Farzona Tilavova, head of Consultancy group Kamolot 1, about the impact of her work, the importance of educated women, and how to be a successful entrepreneur.
Women in Digital is an award-winning tech enterprise that encourages women working in the tech industry – and inspiring them to become leaders. Evelyn Seltier talked with the CEO, Achia Nila, about her drive for empowering women in a male-dominated sector.
Women working in trade face more challenges, yet are the driver for economic growth
The United Kingdom is committed to promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Women-owned small businesses are still less integrated in international markets than those owned by men.
Digitalization is a great opportunity to strengthen the business capabilities of Latin-American women.
In the past 18 months, the global community has seen that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on women.
For business to be a force for good, it needs to set standards, measure performance and improve its impact on all stakeholders
