The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and TikTok have launched a strategic partnership aimed at equipping Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the digital commerce skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The partnership was unveiled during the launch of the TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme for SMEs in Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from government, the private sector, entrepreneurship support organisations, and the broader digital ecosystem to explore innovative approaches to business growth through technology.
Speaking at the event, NITDA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, described digital commerce as a critical driver of economic inclusion and business growth.
He noted that access to digital skills has become increasingly important for businesses seeking to remain competitive, stressing that entrepreneurs who embrace technology are better positioned to access larger markets, improve productivity, and create sustainable wealth.
According to him, while Nigeria is home to millions of innovative entrepreneurs, many small businesses still lack the digital capabilities needed to fully benefit from opportunities in the digital economy.
“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 highlight of the event was the announcement of a joint programme through which TikTok will support digital commerce training for SMEs across Nigeria.
As part of the initiative, TikTok committed an initial investment of about $20,000 to fund a pilot Train-the-Trainer Programme. The programme will leverage NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) networks to provide digital commerce training to entrepreneurs, particularly those in remote and underserved communities.
Inuwa commended TikTok for supporting entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of how technology platforms can contribute to economic empowerment and national development.
He explained that the collaboration aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly its objectives of promoting digital literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.
The NITDA boss also emphasized that technology should be viewed not only as a tool for communication and entertainment but as a platform for creating opportunities, generating income, and transforming lives.
“Technology is most powerful when it empowers the least connected, creates opportunities for the underserved, and transforms potential into prosperity,” he stated.
Stakeholders at the event described the initiative as timely, especially as businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to connect with customers, expand operations, and access new markets.
The TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme is expected to strengthen SMEs’ digital capabilities, improve access to online business opportunities, and contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The launch further reinforces NITDA’s vision of building a digitally empowered nation where individuals, startups, and businesses can leverage technology to create value, generate employment, and drive national prosperity.
As Nigeria advance its ambition of becoming a leading digital economy in Africa, stakeholders believe collaborations such as the NITDA-TikTok partnership will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, expanding economic opportunities, and empowering millions of Nigerians.
