TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce have announced the launch of the Digital Commerce Labs, a global program designed to unlock digital commerce opportunities for small businesses. The initiative will operate in select markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, with Nigeria included as a beneficiary market.
The initiative will leverage TikTok’s suite of digital commerce tools and global reach combined with the ICC’s expertise in international trade. It will also utilise the ICC’s powerful network of national committees and chambers of commerce to expand access to training, mentorship, and digital resources for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Businesses of all sizes already thrive on TikTok and use the platform to reach new customers and build their brands. The partnership represents a significant commitment to empowering local enterprises through digital transformation.
Brandspur Brand News understands that the partnership is also supported by Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Together, these organisations 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. This model will 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 organisations. It 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. This component fosters peer learning and network development among participating entrepreneurs.
Self-led online training modules hosted on a dedicated learning platform will offer participants flexibility and depth. These modules feature 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. Participants can ask questions in real time and deepen their understanding of digital commerce tools and strategies.
John W.H. Denton AO, secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce, stated that the partnership marks a powerful step forward in the organisation’s mission. He noted that the ICC aims to build a more inclusive, dynamic, and accessible global economy.
Denton stated that by joining forces with TikTok to launch the Digital Commerce Labs, the ICC is equipping entrepreneurs and small businesses across ten markets with practical tools, knowledge, and confidence. He added that the ultimate goal is unlocking opportunity, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that the benefits of digital commerce are shared more widely.
Tokunbo Ibrahim, acting head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, stated that TikTok has seen how small businesses can grow rapidly on the platform. He noted that this growth happens by connecting with communities in authentic ways.
Ibrahim stated that this reinforces the importance of educating small business owners on how they can go beyond visibility. He added that education helps actively support their long-term success.
Ibrahim added that the partnership with the ICC, NITDA, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund is an important step in that direction. He concluded that it equips entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale and thrive.
The Digital Commerce Labs program is expected to launch across ten 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.
This will be followed by broader expansion across Africa and to Thailand later this year. Small businesses in Nigeria are encouraged to sign up to be part of the comprehensive training programme designed specifically to help local entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and scale effectively.
