NITDA, TikTok Launch Digital Commerce Lab to Boost SME Growth, Digital Skills in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with TikTok to launch a Digital Commerce Lab for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, alongside a $20,000 pilot “Train-the-Trainer” programme aimed at expanding digital skills across Nigeria.

The initiative is part of efforts to equip entrepreneurs with practical digital commerce skills and extend training opportunities to businesses in remote and underserved communities.

Speaking at the launch, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, described the collaboration as a significant step toward preparing Nigerian entrepreneurs for the demands of the digital economy.

According to him, the rapid shift toward digital commerce makes technology adoption essential for the survival and growth of SMEs.

“The future of commerce is digital. SMEs must leverage platforms to access new markets, increase productivity and drive growth,” Onumo said.

NITDA said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that businesses of all sizes have access to the tools, skills and opportunities needed to compete effectively in both local and international markets.

The agency noted that the Digital Commerce Lab is expected to support entrepreneurs in adopting digital business strategies, expanding market reach and improving competitiveness.

A major highlight of the initiative is the $20,000 pilot “Train-the-Trainer” programme, which will be implemented through NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) network.

Under the programme, trainers will be equipped with practical digital commerce knowledge, training materials and facilitator guides, enabling them to transfer these skills to SMEs across the country.

NITDA said the programme is specifically targeted at entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities that have historically faced limited access to structured digital skills development opportunities.

The collaboration also strengthens TikTok’s role in Nigeria’s growing digital economy ecosystem, positioning the platform as a key partner in NITDA’s broader drive to promote digital inclusion and entrepreneurship.

The latest initiative adds to NITDA’s expanding portfolio of programmes designed to build digital capacity and increase participation in the global digital economy.

Earlier this month, the agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission to advance digital skills development and strengthen innovation infrastructure across the six states of Southwest Nigeria.

The agreement seeks to bridge national technology policies with regional implementation strategies, fostering innovation, expanding digital capacity and accelerating technology-driven economic growth across the region.

NITDA said its partnership with TikTok aligns with its vision of building a digitally inclusive Nigeria where entrepreneurs and businesses can harness technology to unlock new opportunities and compete globally.