Meta, Pakistan to train 1,000 SMEs

According to The Express Tribune, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has teamed up with Meta to run a training initiative for small and medium enterprises. Called the Small Business Growth Academy, the programme seeks to bring more than 1,000 SMEs up to speed on digital tools through in-person and online workshops. The ministry made the announcement on Tuesday.

Training will cover Meta's digital platforms and AI-enabled tools, combined with structured learning modules and sessions led by partners. Entrepreneurs will be shown how to build an online presence, find new buyers, sharpen marketing and automate customer contact. Women-led ventures in textiles, handicrafts and IT services will receive particular attention in cities such as Lahore, Karachi and Quetta.

Federal IT Minister Shaza Khawaja argued that digital and AI skills are essential for a more competitive economy and called SMEs the backbone of Pakistan's economy. Meta's Tehara Punchihewa said the company sees daily how small firms use AI tools to win customers. AtomCamp will implement the programme with support from Ignite, P@SHA, PSEB, SMEDA and DialZero, and it is being rolled out across 12 countries in Asia-Pacific.