Artificial intelligence and digital tools: Over 1,000 SMEs across nine cities will receive training

ISLAMABAD: More than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across nine cities will receive training in artificial intelligence and digital tools under a new programme launched by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in partnership with Meta.

The Small Business Growth Academy, launched on Tuesday, will provide both in-person and virtual training, with a particular focus on women-led businesses and enterprises operating in textiles, handicrafts and IT services.

The initiative will cover Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Hyderabad, Peshawar and Quetta.

The programme is aimed at enabling SMEs to use digital platforms and AI-enabled tools to strengthen their online presence, improve marketing, automate customer interactions and identify new opportunities in domestic and international markets.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja said that SMEs remained the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and equipping them with digital and AI capabilities was important for building an inclusive and innovation-driven economy.

She said the partnership represented an effort to strengthen public-private collaboration, create opportunities for businesses and accelerate the country’s transition towards a digital economy.

The Pakistan programme forms part of Meta’s broader small-business training initiative being rolled out across 12 markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tehara Punchihewa, Meta’s associate public policy manager for Asia-Pacific, said the programme was intended to provide entrepreneurs with practical skills and support to use AI-enabled tools, compete more effectively and benefit from opportunities emerging from the digital economy.

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 being 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.

The programme comes as Pakistani SMEs increasingly look towards digital platforms to expand their customer base, improve productivity and access markets beyond traditional geographical boundaries.

The initiative is expected to particularly benefit smaller businesses that have traditionally faced constraints in adopting digital technologies because of limited technical capacity and access to specialised training.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026