‘Digital Commerce Labs’ to leverage TikTok’s track record powering small businesses globally with ICC’s extensive trade and business education to deliver a high-impact, digital commerce program for local businesses
TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today announced the launch of the Digital Commerce Labs — a global program announced earlier this year and designed to unlock digital commerce opportunities for small businesses, in select markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Businesses of all sizes thrive on TikTok and use the platform to reach new customers and build their brands. The initiative will leverage TikTok’s suite of digital commerce tools and reach combined with the ICC’s expertise on international trade, powerful network of national committees and chambers of commerce, to expand access to training, mentorship, and digital resources in Ghana.
Through this partnership which is also supported by Ghana Enterprises Agency, Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) and Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, TikTok and ICC will equip small businesses in Ghana with digital skills and tools to increase revenue opportunities, expand market access, and build long-term resilience. By connecting global expertise with local business communities, the Digital Commerce Labs will create a scalable education model that can be replicated across markets to help entrepreneurs translate digital knowledge into real-world growth opportunities. The program is designed to build long-term digital commerce ecosystems by working in close collaboration with national chambers and local organizations. The program will deliver learning and economic impact through three integrated components:-
Community building will form the foundation, bringing small businesses together through virtual and in-person sessions with relevant local ecosystem partners to foster peer learning and network development.
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Self-led online training modules hosted on a dedicated learning platform will offer participants flexibility and depth, featuring videos produced by local experts, interactive quizzes, and a certificate of completion.
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Virtual classrooms will provide instructor-led learning opportunities where entrepreneurs can engage directly with industry experts, ask questions in real time, and deepen their understanding of digital commerce tools and strategies.
“This partnership marks a powerful step forward in our mission to build a more inclusive, dynamic, and accessible global economy. By joining forces with TikTok to launch the Digital Commerce Labs, we are equipping entrepreneurs and small businesses across ten markets with the practical tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in the digital age. Ultimately, this initiative is about impact: unlocking opportunity, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that the benefits of digital commerce are shared more widely. “Together, we are helping shape a more inclusive future for businesses globally,” said ICC Ghana Secretary General, Emmanuel Doni-Kwame
“We’ve seen how small businesses can grow rapidly on TikTok by connecting with communities in authentic ways. This has reinforced the importance of educating small business owners on how they can go beyond visibility and actively support their long-term success. Our partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce is an important step in that direction, equipping entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale and thrive” said Eric Ebenstein, Senior Director of Public Policy, TikTok.
The Digital Commerce Labs program will be active across 10 countries, supporting entrepreneurs through community programming, digital learning resources, and virtual training sessions.
Small businesses in Ghana are encouraged to sign up to stand a chance to be a part of the comprehensive training programme, designed specifically to help local entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and scale effectively.
Link to register: https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/services-for-small-business-and-entrepreneurship/digital-commerce-labs/join-the-digital-commerce-labs-programme/?mtm_campaign=digital-commerce-labs&mtm_source=icc&mtm_medium=partner&mtm_content=en
ABOUT TIKTOK
TikTok is the global discovery platform for videos, live streaming, shopping, and more. TikTok’s mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. Over a billion people come to the platform each month to share what they love, learn new things, and find ideas that make everyday life more interesting. TikTok is headquartered in Los Angeles and Singapore, with offices around the world. For more information, visit TikTok Africa Newsroom
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (ICC)
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the institutional representative of more than 45 million companies in over 170 countries. ICC’s core mission is to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. Through a unique mix of advocacy, solutions and standard setting, we promote international trade, responsible business conduct and a global approach to regulation, in addition to providing market-leading dispute resolution services. Our members include many of the world’s leading companies, SMEs, business associations and local chambers of commerce.
