📈 Digital Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs: Key to Unlocking $4 Bn Growth for Sri Lanka

• National Economic Impact: Digital inclusion and upskilling of women entrepreneurs (WEs) in Sri Lanka can potentially add ~$4 Bn (4%) to the national GDP, helping elevate GDP per capita from $5,000 to $10,000 before 2035. • Core Sector Contributions: Historically, apparel & textiles, migrant remittances, and tea—workforces consisting of ~70% women—have driven Sri Lanka's economy, generating nearly 70% of foreign exchange earnings and contributing ~12% to national GDP. • South Asian Regional Context: • Combined South Asian GDP stands at ~$5.6 Tn (<5% of global GDP) with intra-regional trade stagnant at <3%. • South Asia's per capita GDP is under $3,000, compared to the global average of ~$15,000. • Equal workforce participation of women globally could add $5 Tn to the global economy. • Growth Strategy for MSMEs: Digitally empowering women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) improves access to finance, regional trade, and private equity, bridging the regional digital gender gap.