ICC and TikTok launch Digital Commerce Labs for Ghanaian SMEs

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and TikTok have launched the Digital Commerce Labs at the University of Ghana to provide free digital skills training to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Launched on November 10, 2026, the initiative is designed to empower young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses under the theme "Unlocking Growth: Helping Ghanaian Small Businesses Harness Digital Commerce." The program aims to bridge the gap between digital access and the technical capabilities required for sustainable business expansion and cross-border trade.

The labs offer a comprehensive curriculum focusing on content creation, digital marketing, and customer engagement. Through a mix of community events, online modules, and virtual classrooms, local entrepreneurs will learn how to utilize smartphones and social media platforms as professional tools for growth. Tholoana Ncheke-Mahlaela, TikTok’s Head of Government Relations, emphasized the platform's role in helping businesses reach markets far beyond their immediate local communities while building the customer trust necessary for digital success.

Government and industry leaders highlighted the importance of moving beyond visibility to achieve commercial viability. Deputy Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu urged participants to prioritize the development of sustainable business models over mere online popularity. Mohamed Samara, Acting Chairman of ICC Ghana, noted that the initiative addresses critical skills gaps among the youth, while Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, CEO of UMB, remarked that SMEs are the backbone of the economy and require structured support to evolve into scalable exporters and job creators.

This Ghana-based launch is part of a broader global collaboration between the ICC and TikTok to support SMEs across Africa and Latin America. By providing free training and connecting local enterprises to the ICC’s global network, the program intends to prepare Ghanaian businesses for the demands of the international digital marketplace. The initiative aligns with national efforts to digitize the economy and ensure that entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas can participate effectively in global trade.