TikTok Partners with ICC to Empower Nigerian SMBs

In a significant move to support Nigeria’s digital economy, TikTok has teamed up with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to launch Digital Commerce Labs (DCL). The initiative aims to equip small businesses and entrepreneurs with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The DCL community event held recently in Lagos brought together local business owners, creators, and industry experts. Supported by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the program reflects TikTok’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and its ambition to work with global institutions like ICC.

“The world has gone digital, and we need Nigerian entrepreneurs to be on a level playing field,” said Tokunbo Ibrahim, Acting Head of Government Relations at TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa. “We want to empower SMBs not just to reach local customers but also to export their goods and services globally.”

The DCL program addresses common challenges faced by small businesses with targeted training modules on financial literacy, digital marketing, and data protection.

“SMBs are the backbone of any economy,” Ibrahim explained. “When we help them grow, it creates jobs, reduces unemployment, and generates more tax revenue for the government.”

The ICC’s expertise in business development complements TikTok’s platform reach, providing entrepreneurs with both digital tools and mentorship.

Charly Gordon, Deputy Director of the ICC Innovation for All hub, noted that many SMBs aren’t fully leveraging digital commerce. “We’re collaborating to create training programs that provide practical skills and market-specific knowledge to help them take their businesses to the next level.”

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national strategy to become a digitally enabled economy, according to Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA. “Platforms like TikTok have evolved into powerful engines for economic growth, enabling small businesses to reach new audiences and scale rapidly,” he said.

With digital commerce becoming increasingly essential for business success, the partnership aims to ensure Nigerian entrepreneurs can compete effectively in the global market.