TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have launched the digital Commerce Lab in Lagos to equip Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with practical digital skills for growth in an increasingly online economy.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, focuses on training entrepreneurs in digital marketing, content creation, audience engagement, online sales, artificial intelligence tools and cross-border commerce.
Officials said the programme responds to the growing importance of digital platforms in helping businesses reach customers beyond their immediate locations, noting that although SMEs constitute a significant share of employment in Nigeria, many still lack the capacity to fully leverage digital tools.
Tokunbo Ibrahim, TikTok’s acting head of government relations and public policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the initiative would level the playing field for small businesses across sectors and regions, from fashion retailers in Lagos to food vendors in Kano and artisans in Port Harcourt.
The ICC Innovation Office described the lab as a practical, module-based training programme covering digital commerce fundamentals through to advanced applications such as AI-driven content creation and international trade.
Organisers said participants will receive checklists to apply lessons immediately, with online modules launching in July and virtual workshops beginning in September.
Support from Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) was also highlighted.
NITDA linked the initiative to national digital literacy targets, while LSETF emphasised the importance of market access for small businesses.
TikTok said participants who complete sections of the programme will receive advertising credits to promote their products on the platform, alongside access to mentors, government agencies and business networks.
Organisers added that the goal is not just participation numbers but measurable business growth, including expansion into national and international markets. As competition shifts online, the lab aims to bridge persistent digital skill gaps among Nigerian SMEs.
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