Ghana Launches Free ICC-TikTok Digital Commerce Labs for Small Businesses
Ghana has launched free ICC-TikTok Digital Commerce Labs to help young entrepreneurs and small businesses develop digital marketing, e-commerce, social commerce and financial literacy skills, with support aimed at extending training to rural businesses.
TikTok Growth Summit Group
Ghanaian entrepreneurs and small businesses can now access free digital commerce training through a programme launched by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and TikTok. The initiative aims to help businesses improve their online sales, reach customers in new markets and develop the skills needed to participate in digital trade.
The ICC-TikTok Digital Commerce Labs were officially launched on 10 November 2026 at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon. The programme targets young entrepreneurs, small businesses and traders, including those operating outside major urban centres.
Training Covers Digital Marketing, E-commerce and Financial Literacy
The Labs will deliver training through three components: in-person community events, self-paced online modules and virtual classrooms led by instructors and industry specialists.
The curriculum covers digital marketing, brand development, content creation, business storytelling, social commerce, e-commerce strategies, financial literacy and digital payments. Participants will also receive guidance on responsible online engagement and using digital tools to manage and grow their businesses.
The online modules take approximately four to five hours to complete and include practical exercises and assessments. Participants who successfully complete the modules will receive a certificate. Virtual classrooms generally run for between 1.5 and two hours, while community events provide opportunities to meet experts and other business owners.
All components are free. Registration for the programme is separate from registration for individual community events and virtual sessions, which have limited places.
Government and Financial Partners Support Wider Access
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) is working with ICC Ghana to identify businesses that could benefit from the training. Its nationwide presence is expected to help extend participation beyond Accra, particularly among rural traders, farmers, artisans and women-led businesses.
Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) is the programme's official financial partner, while the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications is also supporting the initiative.
Deputy Communications Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu said the programme should be measured by more than the number of people trained. He called for monitoring of businesses established, jobs created, income generated and enterprises that become more sustainable.
Ghana Joins Five-Country Second Rollout
The Digital Commerce Labs are part of a global partnership between TikTok and the ICC, combining TikTok's digital commerce expertise with the ICC's international trade network and business education capabilities.
Ghana is included in the second rollout alongside Argentina, Kenya, South Africa and Thailand. Activities began in October 2026, with online modules scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 and virtual classrooms planned for the first quarter of 2027.
The ICC says the programme is designed to help businesses build stronger digital presence and reach more customers. For participating Ghanaian businesses, the training also provides practical guidance on moving from online promotion to payments, customer management and cross-border sales.
