Ghana Launches ICC-TikTok Digital Commerce Labs for Young Entrepreneurs

Ghana has launched the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)-TikTok Digital Commerce Labs, an initiative aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs and small businesses with digital skills to expand their businesses, reach wider markets and create employment opportunities.

The initiative is designed to provide practical training in digital marketing, brand development, content creation, business storytelling, social commerce, e-commerce strategies, financial literacy, digital payments and responsible online engagement.

The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George, described the initiative as timely, citing the growing influence of digital technology on business operations, consumer behaviour and market access.

Sukparu noted that digital platforms had created opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to wider audiences without necessarily investing in physical shops or traditional advertising.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digitalisation as a driver of economic growth, innovation and inclusive development. He also urged young people to become creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and employers rather than remaining consumers of technology.

Highlighting the commercial potential of content creation, the Deputy Minister encouraged participants to view digital creativity as a viable pathway to entrepreneurship and economic growth. He urged them to prioritise value creation, trusted brand development and sustainable businesses rather than focusing solely on online visibility and follower counts.

Sukparu also called on the implementing partners to establish a framework for measuring the programme’s impact, focusing on skills development and certification, business formalisation and sustainability, access to markets and finance, and effective monitoring and evaluation.

He further urged the organisers to extend the programme beyond major urban centres and establish partnerships with relevant government institutions to complement existing national initiatives.

According to him, the programme’s success should be measured not only by the number of people trained but also by the businesses established, jobs created, income opportunities generated and enterprises supported.