TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have partnered to launch the Digital Commerce Labs, a global initiative aimed at empowering small businesses and driving economic growth in Nigeria.
The programme is designed to unlock digital commerce opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across select markets in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
In Nigeria, the initiative is being implemented with support from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
According to the partners, the programme will equip Nigerian entrepreneurs with digital skills, tools and resources to expand market access, increase revenue opportunities and build long-term business resilience.
They said the initiative would combine TikTok’s digital commerce tools and global reach with ICC’s expertise in international trade and its network of chambers of commerce to deliver training and mentorship.
The programme will be delivered through community engagement sessions, self-paced online learning modules and virtual classroom training led by industry experts.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr John W.H. Denton, Secretary-General of ICC, said the partnership would help create a more inclusive and accessible global economy.
He said the programme was designed to provide entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital age, while expanding opportunities across multiple markets.
Also speaking, Tokunbo Ibrahim, Acting Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, said the initiative builds on the platform’s track record of supporting small business growth.
She noted that the partnership would help business owners move beyond visibility to achieve sustainable growth through effective use of digital tools.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the Digital Commerce Labs will be rolled out across 10 countries, with expansion planned across Africa and other regions later in the year.
Interested small business owners in Nigeria have been encouraged to apply to participate in the training programme aimed at enhancing their digital capabilities and scaling their operations.
