Digital Commerce Labs’ to leverage TikTok’s track record powering small
businesses globally with ICC’s extensive trade and business education to
deliver a high-impact, digital commerce program for local businesses
TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today announced
the launch of the Digital Commerce Labs [1] — a global program
designed to unlock digital commerce opportunities for small businesses,
in select markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Businesses of all sizes thrive on TikTok and use the platform to reach
new customers and build their brands. The initiative will leverage
TikTok’s suite of digital commerce tools and reach combined with the
ICC’s expertise on international trade, powerful network of national
committees and chambers of commerce, to expand access to training,
mentorship, and digital resources in Nigeria.
Through this partnership which is also supported by Nigeria’s National
Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Lagos State
Employment Trust Fund, TikTok and ICC will equip small businesses in
Nigeria with digital skills and tools to increase revenue opportunities,
expand market access, and build long-term resilience. By connecting
global expertise with local business communities, the Digital Commerce
Labs will create a scalable education model that can be replicated
across markets to help entrepreneurs translate digital knowledge into
real-world growth opportunities. The program is designed to build
long-term digital commerce ecosystems by working in close collaboration
with national chambers and local organizations.
The program will deliver learning and economic impact through three
integrated components:
- Community building will form the foundation, bringing small businesses
together through virtual and in-person sessions with relevant local
ecosystem partners to foster peer learning and network development. - Self-led online training modules hosted on a dedicated learning platform
will offer participants flexibility and depth, featuring videos produced
by local experts, interactive quizzes, and a certificate of completion. - Virtual classrooms will provide instructor-led learning opportunities
where entrepreneurs can engage directly with industry experts, ask
questions in real time, and deepen their understanding of digital
commerce tools and strategies.
“This partnership marks a powerful step forward in our mission to build
a more inclusive, dynamic, and accessible global economy. By joining
forces with TikTok to launch the Digital Commerce Labs, we are equipping
entrepreneurs and small businesses across ten markets with the practical
tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in the digital age.
Ultimately, this initiative is about impact: unlocking opportunity,
strengthening resilience, and ensuring that the benefits of digital
commerce are shared more widely. Together, we are helping shape a more
inclusive future for businesses globally,” said John W.H. Denton AO,
Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce.
“We’ve seen how small businesses can grow rapidly on TikTok by
connecting with communities in authentic ways. This has reinforced the
importance of educating small business owners on how they can go beyond
visibility and actively support their long-term success. Our partnership
with the International Chamber of Commerce, NITDA and Lagos State
Employment Trust Fund is an important step in that direction, equipping
entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale and thrive” said
Tokunbo Ibrahim, Acting Head of Government Relations & Public Policy,
Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok.
The Digital Commerce Labs program is expected to launch across 10
countries, supporting entrepreneurs through community programming,
digital learning resources, and virtual training sessions. The program
will launch in select markets across Latin America and Africa this
spring, followed by a broader expansion across Africa and to Thailand
later this year.
Small businesses in Nigeria are encouraged to sign up to stand a chance
to be a part of the comprehensive training programme, designed
specifically to help local entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and scale
effectively.
