NITDA, TikTok partner to boost SMEs’ digital commerce skills
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NITDA, TikTok partner to boost SMEs’ digital commerce skills
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and social media platform TikTok have launched a strategic partnership aimed at equipping Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises with digital commerce skills and tools to enhance their competitiveness in the digital economy.
The collaboration was unveiled during the launch of the TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme for SMEs in Lagos, where stakeholders from government, the private sector, entrepreneurship support organisations, and the digital ecosystem gathered to discuss ways of empowering businesses through technology.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, described digital commerce as a critical driver of economic inclusion and business growth.
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He said the increasing shift towards digital transactions had made access to digital skills essential for the survival and competitiveness of businesses.
According to him, entrepreneurs who embrace technology are better positioned to reach wider markets, improve productivity, and build sustainable wealth.
“The future of commerce is increasingly digital, and entrepreneurs who embrace technology will be better positioned to access larger markets, increase productivity, and create sustainable wealth,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that despite Nigeria’s large population of innovative entrepreneurs, many small businesses still lack the digital capabilities needed to take advantage of 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 added.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of a joint programme through which TikTok will support the training of SMEs across the country in digital commerce.
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 utilise NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All networks to deliver digital commerce training to entrepreneurs, particularly those in remote and underserved communities.
The NITDA boss commended TikTok for supporting entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, describing the partnership as a practical demonstration of how technology platforms can contribute to economic empowerment and national development.
He stated that the initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0, which focuses on digital literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.
Abdullahi also stressed that technology should be viewed beyond communication and entertainment, noting that it serves as a powerful tool 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 said.
Stakeholders at the event described the programme as timely, given the growing reliance of businesses on digital platforms to connect with customers, expand operations, and access new markets.
The TikTok Digital Commerce Labs Programme is expected to strengthen the digital capabilities of SMEs, improve access to online business opportunities, and support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by enabling entrepreneurs to leverage technology for business development.
