Nigeria targets SME export growth as TikTok, ICC roll out digital labs

Nigeria is positioning its small businesses for global trade as TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce roll out the Digital Commerce Labs, a programme designed to help local entrepreneurs move beyond social media visibility into real export opportunities.

Unlike earlier digital training efforts focused mainly on online presence, this initiative is built to connect Nigerian small businesses to international markets by combining digital skills with global trade knowledge.

The programme, supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, aims to close a major gap that has limited many Nigerian businesses, turning online engagement into cross-border sales.

Through Digital Commerce Labs, entrepreneurs will not only learn how to promote products on TikTok but also how to package, price, and position them for global buyers. The initiative will provide insights into international trade systems, customer behavior across markets, and how to build trust with foreign customers.

This marks a shift in strategy, as stakeholders now focus on helping small businesses earn foreign exchange and compete globally, rather than just survive locally.

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The programme will run through three key channels. It will build business communities where entrepreneurs can collaborate and share market insights. It will also provide self-paced online training with locally relevant content, and live virtual classes where experts guide participants on digital marketing and cross-border trade strategies.

John W.H. Denton AO, secretary general, International Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative is about unlocking new economic opportunities by making global commerce more accessible to smaller players.

Denton noted that small businesses are critical to economic growth, and equipping them with the right tools can help them expand beyond their immediate environment into international markets.

“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,” Denton added.

On her part, Tokunbo Ibrahim, acting head of government relations & public policy, Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, said the platform has seen strong potential among Nigerian entrepreneurs but acknowledged that many still struggle to convert online popularity into sustained revenue.

She explained that the partnership is designed to bridge that gap by giving business owners practical tools to scale and compete effectively.

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“We have 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 Ibrahim.

Nigeria, with its fast-growing digital economy and large informal business sector, presents a major opportunity for such an initiative. Many small businesses already use social media platforms to advertise, but only a few have the knowledge or systems needed to export their products or services.

By linking digital commerce with global trade education, the Digital Commerce Labs could help change that narrative—turning local businesses into global players.

The programme will launch across 10 countries, with Nigeria expected to be one of the early beneficiaries. Organisers say it will create a model that can be expanded across other emerging markets.

For many Nigerian entrepreneurs, the initiative could mark a turning point, offering a pathway not just to grow online, but to earn globally and contribute more meaningfully to the country’s economy.