ISLAMABAD: US-based technology conglomerate Meta will train 1,000 Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in artificial intelligence and business this year, the commerce ministry said on Thursday, as Islamabad seeks to tap into its young population to drive digital economic growth and innovation.
The statement followed a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and a Meta delegation in Islamabad. The commerce ministry said Meta presented the details of its Small Business Academy program during the meeting. Launched in June, the project aims to help small businesses move from small to scale by using digital and AI-enabled tools to find customers improve productivity and grow across Asia-Pacific.
The ministry said the Small Business Growth Academy program will train 1,000 SMEs across Pakistan between August and November 2026 on Meta’s digital platforms, AI-powered business tools and online marketing strategies. The program will be implemented by Pakistani AI training and implementation company AtomCamp, with participation free of cost.
“The delegation shared that the program aims to improve digital skills, expand market access and support women entrepreneurs and businesses in smaller cities through both physical and online training sessions,” the ministry said.
The development takes place as Pakistan pushes to implement digital and AI initiatives across the government. Pakistan this week launched an AI-based system in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to help track the premier’s directives and their implementation.
Khan said Pakistan is increasingly focusing on digital trade, e-commerce and the use of technology to expand exports, improve market intelligence and strengthen engagement with international markets through its trade missions abroad.
He noted that Pakistan’s young population, expanding smartphone penetration and rapidly growing digital economy present significant opportunities for tech companies to partner with the government in building digital skills and enabling entrepreneurs to benefit from online platforms.
Khan assured Meta that the commerce ministry would facilitate introductions and institutional linkages across Pakistan’s business community.
“The Meta delegation thanked the minister for his support of the Small Business Growth Academy and welcomed the opportunity to connect with Directorate General of Trade Organizations and business stakeholders to expand the program’s reach,” the statement said.
The latest development also signals Pakistan’s growing partnership with the tech giant. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Meta signed a letter of intent (LoI) this week to promote online safety and digital literacy across the country.
The PTA said it will work with Meta on capacity building, policy dialogue, awareness campaigns and the exchange of global best practices related to youth online safety and digital well-being under the collaboration.
