The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with TikTok to launch a Digital Commerce Lab for SMEs in Lagos. This initiative is backed by a $20,000 pilot ‘Train-the-Trainer’ programme.
The partnership is part of efforts to extend digital skills training to entrepreneurs in remote and underserved communities across Nigeria. Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships at NITDA, represented the agency at the launch, highlighting the move as crucial for equipping entrepreneurs for the modern economy.
Onumo stated that the shift toward digital commerce is essential for the long-term survival and growth of Nigerian SMEs. He emphasized that leveraging digital platforms is key to accessing new markets, increasing productivity, and driving growth.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Nigerian businesses can participate successfully in the global marketplace. NITDA reiterated its goal of building a digitally inclusive Nigeria where every business can compete globally.
A significant aspect of the launch was the announcement of the $20,000 pilot “Train-the-Trainer” programme. Through NITDA’s DL4ALL network, this programme will deliver practical digital commerce training, materials, and facilitator guides to SMEs nationwide.
The programme is specifically designed to reach SMEs in remote and underserved communities that have historically faced limited access to formal digital skills training. This partnership positions TikTok as a direct collaborator in NITDA’s broader digital literacy efforts.
The TikTok partnership complements NITDA’s expanding portfolio of digital economy initiatives. These initiatives aim to equip Nigerians with in-demand digital skills and enhance their participation in the global digital economy.
This collaboration follows NITDA's recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission to advance digital skills development and strengthen innovation infrastructure across Southwest Nigeria.
