Meta to roll out free AI, digital training for 1,000 SMEs across pakistan

July 23, 2026 (MLN): Meta is to train 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Pakistan in digital business and artificial intelligence (AI) under its Small Business Growth Academy, a programme set to run between August and November 2026 covering Meta's digital platforms, AI-powered business tools, and online marketing strategies.

The training, to be delivered free of cost through local partner AtomCamp, will be held via both physical and online sessions with a focus on women entrepreneurs and businesses in smaller cities, said a press release issued.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the initiative during a meeting with a Meta delegation led by Tehara Punchihewa, Asia-Pacific Public Policy, and Vivian Liang, Policy Programs Manager, Asia-Pacific, at the Ministry of Commerce.

The Minister said the government is placing digitization at the centre of its reform agenda, with digital transformation being pursued across ministries and public institutions to strengthen governance, service delivery, and economic competitiveness.

He informed the delegation that Pakistan is finalizing a comprehensive E-Commerce Policy, while broader work on an Artificial Intelligence Policy is also underway to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven growth.

He noted that AI should be viewed not merely as a conversational tool but as a technology capable of strengthening policy analysis, data-driven decision-making, business intelligence, and public sector efficiency.

On the Ministry of Commerce's priorities, Jam Kamal Khan pointed to a growing focus on digital trade, e-commerce, and the use of technology to expand exports, improve market intelligence, and deepen engagement with international markets through Pakistan's trade missions abroad.

He observed that Pakistan's young population, rising smartphone penetration, and expanding digital economy offer significant opportunities for technology companies to partner with the government on digital skills development and entrepreneurship.

Many Pakistani businesses have already entered the digital marketplace, he said, but continue to need greater awareness and practical training to make full use of AI, social media, and digital tools for business growth and exports.

The Minister encouraged Meta to engage closely with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), chambers of commerce, trade associations, and other business bodies to broaden the outreach and impact of the SME training programme, assuring the delegation that the Ministry would facilitate introductions and institutional linkages across the business community.

He further invited Meta to maintain regular engagement with the Ministry on shared areas of interest, including digital skills, SME capacity building, and digital literacy, noting that Pakistan has already established digital partnerships with global technology firms including Alibaba and Google, and welcomes similar engagement with Meta.

The Meta delegation thanked the Minister for his support of the Small Business Growth Academy and welcomed the opportunity to engage with DGTO and business stakeholders to expand the programme's reach. Both sides expressed interest in continued collaboration on digital skills and SME development in Pakistan.

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