More than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across nine Pakistani cities will receive training in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools under the newly launched Small Business Growth Academy.
The initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in partnership with Meta to help small businesses strengthen their digital capabilities, improve productivity and expand their reach in local and international markets.
Training to Cover Nine Cities
The programme will be implemented in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Hyderabad, Peshawar and Quetta. It will offer both in-person and online training, making the programme accessible to a wider range of businesses.
The academy will place particular emphasis on women-led enterprises and businesses operating in sectors such as textiles, handicrafts and IT services.
Focus on AI and Digital Business Tools
The training will equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge of AI-powered and digital tools that can help them improve their online presence, strengthen marketing strategies and automate customer interactions.
Participants will also learn how to identify new business opportunities and use digital platforms to reach customers beyond traditional geographical markets.
Government Highlights Importance of SMEs
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja said SMEs are a vital part of Pakistan's economy and that providing them with digital and AI capabilities is important for building an inclusive, innovative and technology-driven economy.
She said the partnership with Meta would strengthen public-private collaboration, create new opportunities for businesses and support Pakistan's transition towards a digital economy.
Part of Meta's Asia-Pacific Initiative
The Pakistan programme is part of Meta's broader small-business training initiative being introduced across 12 markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meta's Associate Public Policy Manager for Asia-Pacific, Tehara Punchihewa, said the programme aims to give entrepreneurs practical skills to use AI-enabled tools, compete more effectively and benefit from emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
Multiple Organisations Supporting Programme
The academy will offer workshops and structured learning modules and will be implemented by Pakistan-based learning and consulting company Atom Camp.
The initiative is also supported by Ignite National Technology Fund, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and technology company Dial Zero.
Boosting Digital Adoption Among SMEs
The programme comes at a time when Pakistani SMEs are increasingly using digital platforms to expand their customer base, improve efficiency and access markets outside their traditional locations.
The initiative is expected to particularly benefit smaller businesses that have faced difficulties adopting new technologies because of limited technical expertise, resources and access to specialised training.
By providing practical AI and digital skills, the Small Business Growth Academy aims to help Pakistani SMEs become more competitive and better positioned to participate in the country's growing digital economy.
