1,000 SMEs to get AI training as Pakistan eyes Meta partnership

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has welcomed Meta’s initiative to train 1,000 Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital business and artificial intelligence (AI), while inviting the company to engage with Pakistan’s digital economy agenda.

In a meeting with a Meta delegation led by Ms. Tehara Punchihewa, Asia-Pacific Public Policy, the delegation presented its Small Business Growth Academy, a program that will train 1,000 SMEs across Pakistan between August and November 2026 on Meta’s digital platforms, implemented by local partner AtomCamp across Pakistan, with free participation.

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 Minister said the government is placing digitization at the center of reforms and is finalizing an E-Commerce Policy and an AI Policy. He urged Meta to work with DGTO, chambers and trade bodies to maximize outreach. Both sides agreed to continue engagement on digital skills and SME development.