The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and TikTok have launched the TikTok Digital Commerce Labs programme to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
The programme aims to equip Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria with digital skills needed to thrive in the growing digital marketplace.
The unveiling, held in Lagos on June 19 featured the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), with TikTok pledging $20,000 to support it.
The partnership aims to support the existing efforts of the agencies to help entrepreneurs leverage digital platforms for their business growth.
TikTok’s funding will facilitate the Train-the-Trainer initiative, a capacity-building model designed to equip local instructors with digital skills. This will allow them to be able to pass that knowledge down to a much wider audience.
The pilot programme will benefit over 700 pre-registered SMEs at the initial stages. This will increase to up to 40 million Nigerian SMEs as the programme scales nationwide and across Africa.
The program will empower participants with online and practical training in content creation, and audience engagement. Other skills include digital marketing, online sales, cross-border commerce, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage.
Online lessons will begin in July 2026, as hundreds of pre-registered SMEs are expected to participate in live training sessions.
Notably, the NITDA will leverage its Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) networks to extend training to remote and underserved communities. This will advance ongoing efforts towards establishing and promoting inclusive digital empowerment.
Meanwhile, successful programme participants may become eligible to apply for small-business loans, creating additional opportunities for growth and expansion.
NITDA Director General, Kashifu Abdullahi noted that platforms such as TikTok have moved beyond entertainment. Instead, they have become powerful tools for economic development, he stated.
Similarly, TikTok’s Acting Head of Government Relations, Tokunbo Ibrahim said the program will improve Nigerian entrepreneurs’ global competiveness.
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