ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and Meta have launched a new training program aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses use digital and artificial intelligence tools to grow their businesses, reach new customers and enter new markets.
The Small Business Growth Academy will provide in-person and online training to more than 1,000 businesses in nine cities across Pakistan. The program will particularly support women-led businesses and enterprises working in textiles, handicrafts and IT services.
The initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs overcome common challenges in adopting digital technology. Participants will learn how to improve their online presence, market products more effectively, automate customer interactions and use AI-powered tools to identify new business opportunities in Pakistan and international markets.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja said small and medium-sized businesses are an important part of Pakistan’s economy and that providing them with digital and AI skills is an important step towards building a more inclusive and innovation-focused digital economy.
The training will be available in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Hyderabad, Peshawar and Quetta. It will include workshops, structured learning sessions and practical training delivered with the support of partner organisations.
Pakistan-based learning and consulting company AtomCamp will implement the program. The initiative is also being supported by the government-backed Ignite National Technology Fund and Pakistan Software Export Board, along with the Pakistan Software Houses Association, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and technology company DialZero.
Meta’s Associate Public Policy Manager for Asia-Pacific, Tehara Punchihewa, said the company has seen small businesses use AI-enabled tools to connect with customers and expand their operations. She said the new academy aims to give more entrepreneurs the practical skills needed to use these technologies confidently and compete in the growing digital economy.
The Pakistani initiative is part of a wider Meta program being introduced across 12 Asia-Pacific countries as businesses increasingly turn to AI and digital platforms to improve productivity, marketing and customer engagement.
Meta has previously introduced digital skills initiatives in Pakistan, including programs aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and helping small businesses make better use of online technologies.
