TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have launched a digital skills and entrepreneurship programme aimed at helping Nigerian small businesses expand through e-commerce and social media platforms.
The Digital Commerce Labs (DCL) initiative, unveiled in Lagos in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), seeks to improve digital skills among small business owners, entrepreneurs and online creators across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigeria is serving as the launch market for the programme, which organisers say is designed to promote economic inclusion and help local businesses adapt to an increasingly digital economy.
The launch comes as social commerce continues to grow rapidly in Nigeria, where more entrepreneurs are turning to online platforms to market and sell products. Industry forecasts estimate Nigeria’s social commerce market could reach US$2.04 billion in 2025 and approach $4 billion by 2030.
A GSMA survey cited at the event showed that 56 percent of Nigerian businesses sell exclusively through social media platforms, highlighting the growing role of digital channels in driving commerce.
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Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of Lagos Business School told participants that digital commerce was no longer a future opportunity but an immediate requirement for businesses seeking growth.
She said entrepreneurs with the right digital skills were already benefiting from wider market access and increased customer engagement.
Tokunbo Ibrahim, Acting Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for TikTok in Sub-Saharan Africa, said the partnership was aimed at ensuring that small businesses could benefit from digital transformation.
He explained that platforms such as TikTok were helping businesses improve product discovery, connect with customers and compete more effectively regardless of their size.
Government officials also welcomed the initiative.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, described the programme as an important step towards building a digitally enabled economy.
He said platforms that were once viewed mainly as entertainment channels had evolved into tools for business growth, allowing entrepreneurs to showcase their products and expand their reach.
ICC Deputy Secretary General Julian Kassum said equipping small businesses with digital skills would create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation beyond local markets.
The Digital Commerce Labs programme will offer a two-part training structure beginning in July. Participants will have access to self-paced online learning modules developed by local experts, covering areas such as building digital identities, creating effective online content and using artificial intelligence-powered tools for e-commerce.
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The online courses will be complemented by virtual instructor-led sessions where entrepreneurs can learn practical strategies for growing their businesses.
The LSETF will provide additional support through training focused on business sustainability, financial literacy, record management and legal guidance.
After completing the programme, eligible businesses will have the opportunity to join the LSETF financial support ecosystem, creating a pathway to potential funding and further business development.
The launch also highlighted Nigeria’s growing creator economy, with entrepreneurs sharing experiences of how digital platforms have helped them reach new customers and build successful brands.
Organisers said the initiative reflects a broader push to empower small businesses with technology-driven solutions and position Nigerian entrepreneurs to benefit from the expansion of digital trade across Africa.
