TikTok and ICC launch Digital Commerce Lab to help Nigerian SMEs compete online

TikTok has partnered with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to launch the Digital Commerce Lab. The new initiative is designed to equip Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the digital skills needed to compete in an increasingly online economy.

The programme, unveiled in Lagos on Thursday, aims to provide practical training on digital marketing, content creation, audience engagement, online sales, artificial intelligence tools, and cross-border commerce.

The launch comes as digital platforms become increasingly important for businesses seeking new customers beyond their immediate locations. While SMEs account for the majority of businesses and a significant share of employment in Nigeria, many still struggle to fully utilise digital tools for growth.

Speaking at the event, Tokunbo Ibrahim, TikTok’s Acting Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, described the programme as an opportunity for small businesses to participate more fully in the digital economy.

“Whether you are a fashion business in Lagos, a food entrepreneur in Kano, or a craft seller in Port Harcourt, the idea is to ensure that businesses have access to the same digital skills and opportunities available anywhere in the world,” she said.

According to her, the curriculum was developed around common traits observed among successful small businesses on digital platforms: understanding customers, creating authentic content, maintaining consistency, using data effectively, and continuously improving.

A practical approach to digital commerce

Charlie Gordon of the ICC Innovation Office said the Digital Commerce Lab was designed as a practical programme rather than a theoretical training exercise.

He explained that the curriculum consists of five progressive modules covering topics from digital commerce fundamentals to advanced areas such as AI-powered content creation and international trade.

“We want it to be super practical. At the end of each lesson, there are checklists businesses can follow to immediately apply what they have learned,” Gordon said.

The online training modules are expected to become available in July, followed by trainer-led virtual workshops beginning in September. Unlike many business training initiatives, organisers say participation will be free, with no fixed cap on registrations.

The programme is initially targeting thousands of SMEs, although Gordon noted that organisers hope to reach 30 million Nigerians by 2028.

NITDA links digital commerce labs to digital literacy goals

The launch also received support from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which views the initiative as part of broader efforts to improve digital literacy across Nigeria.

Representing NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, Dr Aristotle Onumo said digital commerce had become essential for business competitiveness.

“Digital commerce is no longer an option. It has become a necessity for business growth and competitiveness,” he said.

Onumo revealed that TikTok had committed approximately $20,000 (₦.27.2 million) to support the pilot phase of the programme. According to him, the funding will help develop training materials, facilitate capacity-building sessions, and support grassroots digital literacy programmes.

He added that the partnership aligns with NITDA’s goal of achieving 70% digital literacy nationwide by 2027.

To support that target, NITDA has expanded partnerships with institutions including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), training hundreds of digital literacy champions annually to reach communities across the country.

LSETF highlights market access funding opportunities

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), another partner supporting entrepreneurship development, said access to markets remains one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses.

Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of LSETF, noted that while many entrepreneurs focus on financing, market access often determines whether businesses succeed or fail.

“People think of markets as physical locations, but in 2026, it’s beyond physical,” she said. “Why wouldn’t you consider going online?”

Alayande said digital platforms such as TikTok provide new opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase products, attract customers, and scale their businesses without relying solely on traditional sales channels.

Beyond digital visibility, SMEs participating in the Digital Commerce Lab will also gain access to a wider support ecosystem that includes the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Through its programmes, LSETF provides business support services and access to loans that entrepreneurs can leverage to expand operations, purchase equipment, hire staff, and scale their businesses.

Ad credits and ecosystem support

TikTok said businesses that complete parts of the programme will receive advertising credits that can be used to promote their products and services on the platform.

Organisers also highlighted access to experts, peer networks, government agencies, and business support organisations as part of the broader ecosystem surrounding the initiative.

According to Prakash, success will ultimately be measured not by the number of participants but by the stories that emerge from the programme.

He pointed to examples such as entrepreneurs expanding from local sales to nationwide distribution or building businesses capable of hiring employees and serving customers across borders.

“We want the story of a maker in Nigeria who was only serving customers within driving distance but now has repeat customers across Nigeria and internationally,” he said.

As competition for consumers increasingly shifts online, the Digital Commerce Lab represents another attempt to help Nigerian SMEs bridge the gap between traditional business operations and the opportunities created by digital commerce.