Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a new program to provide free digital business and artificial intelligence (AI) training to 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Pakistan.
The initiative is aimed at helping Pakistani businesses improve their digital skills, use AI tools more effectively, and grow their businesses through online platforms. At the same time, the Government of Pakistan has invited Meta to become a long-term partner in the country’s digital transformation efforts.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and a Meta delegation led by Tehara Punchihewa, who looks after Public Policy for the Asia-Pacific region, and Vivian Liang, Meta’s Policy Programs Manager for Asia-Pacific.
During the meeting, Meta introduced its Small Business Growth Academy, a special training program that will run from August to November 2026.
Under this initiative, 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses from different parts of Pakistan will receive free training through both online classes and in-person workshops.
The program will be delivered in partnership with AtomCamp, a Pakistani technology education company that specializes in AI and digital skills training.
Participants will learn how to make better use of Meta’s digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Business, to reach more customers and increase sales.
The training will also focus on the latest AI-powered business tools, showing businesses how artificial intelligence can help create marketing content, improve customer communication, analyze business data, and increase overall productivity.
In addition, business owners will receive guidance on digital marketing strategies, including how to advertise online, build a strong social media presence, engage with customers, and grow their businesses using modern digital technologies.
According to Meta, the main goal of the program is to improve digital skills among Pakistani entrepreneurs, help businesses access larger markets, and support economic growth through technology.
The company also said that the initiative will place special focus on women entrepreneurs and businesses located in smaller cities and underserved areas, giving them better opportunities to benefit from digital technology and online commerce.
Speaking during the meeting, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said that digital transformation is one of the government’s top priorities. He explained that Pakistan is working to modernize government departments and public institutions by using digital technologies to improve governance, public services, and economic competitiveness.
The minister also informed the Meta delegation that Pakistan is preparing a new National E-Commerce Policy, which aims to promote online businesses, improve digital trade, and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs.
At the same time, the government is also developing a National Artificial Intelligence Policy to encourage innovation, support technology startups, strengthen entrepreneurship, and promote AI-based economic growth.
Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that artificial intelligence should not be viewed only as a tool for chatbots or online conversations. Instead, he said AI has the potential to improve policy planning, business intelligence, data analysis, decision-making, and the efficiency of government institutions.
He highlighted Pakistan’s strong potential as a growing digital market, pointing to the country’s young population, increasing number of smartphone users, and rapidly expanding digital economy.
According to the minister, these factors make Pakistan an attractive market for global technology companies that want to invest in digital education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
To ensure the training program reaches as many businesses as possible, Jam Kamal Khan encouraged Meta to work closely with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), local Chambers of Commerce, and various trade associations across the country.
These partnerships would help spread awareness about the program and allow businesses from different regions to participate.
The minister also invited Meta to continue working with Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce beyond this initiative. He proposed long-term cooperation in areas such as digital literacy, AI education, SME development, digital trade, and entrepreneurship.
In response, the Meta delegation expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan and expanding the Small Business Growth Academy in the future.
The company said it looks forward to supporting more Pakistani entrepreneurs by helping them develop modern digital skills and use AI technologies to grow their businesses.
Overall, the new initiative represents an important step toward improving digital education and business skills in Pakistan. By offering free AI and digital marketing training to 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses, Meta aims to help entrepreneurs become more competitive, reach new customers, increase online sales, and contribute to the country’s growing digital economy. The partnership also reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to use technology and artificial intelligence to support economic development, innovation, and job creation
