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…
Islamabad, Pakistan - Over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) spanning nine major cities will undergo training in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools as part of a new Small Business Growth Academy initiative launched by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in collaboration with Meta.
The program, set to commence on Tuesday, will offer both in-person and virtual training sessions with a specific emphasis on women-led businesses and those operating in the textiles, handicrafts, and IT services sectors. The cities targeted for this initiative include Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Hyderabad, Peshawar, and Quetta.
The primary objective of this program is to empower SMEs to leverage digital platforms and AI-enabled tools to bolster their online presence, refine marketing strategies, automate customer interactions, and uncover new opportunities in both domestic and international markets. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Khawaja, emphasized the critical role that SMEs play in the Pakistani economy and highlighted the importance of equipping these businesses with digital and AI capabilities to foster an inclusive and innovation-driven economic landscape.
Khawaja noted that this partnership aims to foster public-private collaboration, create business opportunities, and hasten Pakistan's shift towards a digital economy.
This initiative is part of Meta's wider small-business training program, which is being extended to 12 markets across the Asia-Pacific region. Tehara Punchihewa, Meta's associate public policy manager for Asia-Pacific, stated that the program aims to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills and support necessary to effectively utilize AI tools, enhance competitiveness, and capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within the digital economy.
The academy will facilitate workshops and structured learning modules and will be executed by Pakistan-based learning and consulting firm Atom Camp. Support for this initiative is also being provided by the Ignite National Technology Fund, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), and technology firm Dial Zero.
The timing of this program is significant as Pakistani SMEs are increasingly recognizing the advantages of digital platforms to broaden their customer base, enhance productivity, and access markets beyond their traditional geographical reach. This initiative is poised to greatly benefit smaller businesses that have historically encountered obstacles in adopting digital technologies due to limited technical competence and restricted access to specialized training.
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