{
  "id": 19529697,
  "title": "ICC, TikTok launch free digital commerce labs to prepare Ghanaian SMEs for cross-border trade",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/icc-tiktok-launch-free-digital-commerce-labs-to-prepare-ghanaian-smes-19529697",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T17:15:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/icc-tiktok-launch-free-digital-commerce-labs-to-prepare-ghanaian-smes-for-cross-border-trade/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and TikTok have launched free digital commerce labs to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, including those in rural areas, expand their businesses across borders. The initiative, held at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, is part of a broader effort to build an inclusive digital economy in Ghana. It involves three components: community events, online modules, and virtual classrooms. Community events provide in-person sessions with experts and peers, online modules offer self-paced digital commerce courses, and virtual classrooms host instructor-led sessions where participants can engage directly with industry experts. The programme also emphasizes the importance of customer trust, regulatory compliance, and consistent service in cross-border digital trade. The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring the programme reaches all SMEs, especially those in rural areas, to support job creation and sustainable livelihoods. TikTok's Head of Government Relations and Public Policy, Tholoana Ncheke-Mahlaela, stressed that the initiative aims to shift the mindset from being a job seeker to a job creator, with small businesses having the potential to create multiple jobs as they grow.",
  "summary": "Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ghana, including those in rural communities, can now access free training to sell beyond their local markets following the launch of the ICC-TikTok Digital Commerce Labs at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}