The Women in Digital Business (WiDB) Training of Trainers (ToT) Program at AM-Steve House is now open for applications for its 2025 pilot phase. This initiative, launched in partnership with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) and supported by Microsoft Philanthropies, is designed to equip trainers, business mentors, BDSPs, and entrepreneur support organizations across Africa with the skills and certification to train women entrepreneurs in digital business.
About the Program
The WiDB initiative aims to empower 50,000 women entrepreneurs across Africa within three years by strengthening their digital and business capabilities. To achieve this, the program will certify 500 trainers who will deliver structured training modules on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and business formalization.
The Training of Trainers (ToT) pilot phase will certify 50 trainers, giving them access to global certification, professional networks, and paid opportunities to deliver WiDB programs. Upon completion, certified trainers can integrate WiDB courses into their portfolio as a monetized service and become part of the official WiDB trainer pool.
Program Structure
The WiDB training model includes three components:
- Women in Digital Business Course
- Compulsory: Foundations in Digital Skills
- Optional: Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity Essentials, Digital Marketing
- Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Course
Delivered by ILO-certified trainers, with modules tailored to each stage of business growth:- GYB (Generate Your Business Idea)
- SYB (Start Your Business)
- IYB (Improve Your Business)
- EYB (Expand Your Business)
- Formalization Support
Practical guidance in areas such as business registration, compliance, tax, branding, and opening business bank accounts.
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Benefits for Trainers
- Full Scholarship covering training costs.
- ILO Certification as an official WiDB Trainer.
- Paid Training Opportunities within the WiDB network.
- Mentorship & Supervision from certified lead trainers.
- Expanded Impact by empowering women entrepreneurs in local communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have prior experience in entrepreneurship training, mentorship, or coaching.
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional certification.
- Be actively supporting entrepreneurs in Africa.
- Be fluent in English (pilot training is English-based).
- Commit to recruiting and training at least 15 women entrepreneurs during the practicum phase.
Preference will be given to women applicants and practitioners with existing BDSP licenses or proven entrepreneurship training experience.
Application Deadlines
- Priority Deadline: September 5, 2025 (22:59 GMT) – Eligible for Intensive & Regular programs.
- Regular Deadline: September 19, 2025 (22:59 GMT) – Eligible only for the Regular program.
- Final Deadline: December 31, 2025 (17:00 GMT) – For applicants considered for the full rollout phase.
Program Formats
- Intensive Program: 6 weeks | 2 hours daily for 1 week + micro-teaching phase.
- Regular Program: 6 weeks | 2 hours twice per week + micro-teaching phase.
How to Apply
Trainers and mentors passionate about women’s empowerment and digital entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply for the Women in Digital Business (WiDB) ToT Program 2025.
Apply for the WiDB ToT Program
If you are a woman entrepreneur (not a trainer), you may apply directly to the WiDB Training of Entrepreneurs (ToE) Program.
