Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and TikTok have partnered to boost digital entrepreneurship and economic inclusion in Nigeria with the launch of the Digital Commerce Labs Programme, an initiative designed to equip Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the skills and tools required to compete in the digital economy.
According to NITDA, the partnership will provide digital commerce training, expand access to online business opportunities, and strengthen the capacity of entrepreneurs to leverage technology for growth, innovation, and market expansion.
The initiative was unveiled at a stakeholders’ event in Lagos attended by representatives from the government, the private sector, entrepreneurship support organisations, and the broader digital ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo described digital commerce as a critical driver of economic growth and inclusion, stressing that access to digital skills has become essential for business competitiveness and sustainability.
According to him, technology has created unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to reach wider markets, build brands, and generate wealth beyond geographical limitations.
Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director, Stakeholders Management and Partnerships Department, represented DG NITDA
“Today, a young entrepreneur with a smartphone can reach customers beyond geographical boundaries, build a brand, market products globally, and create economic opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Our responsibility is to ensure that every entrepreneur, regardless of location, has access to the digital skills and tools needed to succeed in this new economy,” he said.
A major outcome of the partnership is TikTok’s commitment to invest approximately $20,000 in a pilot Train-the-Trainer Programme that will leverage NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) network to deliver digital commerce training to entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved and remote communities.
Inuwa commended TikTok for supporting entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, noting that the collaboration aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on expanding digital literacy, promoting innovation, supporting startups, and driving inclusive economic growth.
He emphasized that technology should be viewed not only as a communication and entertainment tool but also as a platform for income generation, business expansion, and economic empowerment.
“Technology is most powerful when it empowers the least connected, creates opportunities for the underserved, and transforms potential into prosperity,” he stated.
Industry stakeholders described the initiative as timely, noting that an increasing number of businesses are leveraging digital platforms to access new markets, engage customers, and scale operations.
The TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme is expected to strengthen the digital capabilities of Nigerian SMEs, improve access to online business opportunities, and contribute significantly to the growth of the country’s digital economy.
The partnership further reinforces NITDA’s commitment to building a digitally empowered nation where individuals, startups, and businesses can leverage technology to create value, generate employment, and drive sustainable economic development.
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