The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and Meta have just officially launched the Small Business Growth Academy in Pakistan. This landmark initiative aims to accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, it empowers local entrepreneurs to use digital and AI-enabled technologies. Consequently, businesses can drive growth, spark innovation, and access both domestic and international markets.
Ultimately, the initiative aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of building an inclusive, digitally empowered economy.
MoITT & Meta Launch Business Academy to Empower Local SMEs
The program plans to train more than 1,000 small businesses across Pakistan. To achieve this, the academy will host in-person and virtual workshops. It will also offer structured learning modules and partner-led training sessions.
The curriculum focuses heavily on practical, market-oriented skills utilizing Meta’s platforms. Specifically, entrepreneurs will learn how to build a strong digital presence, attract new customers, and automate customer interactions. Moreover, they will discover ways to enhance marketing effectiveness, boost productivity, and explore expansion opportunities globally and locally.
The initiative places a special focus on women-led businesses. It also specifically targets entrepreneurs in the textiles, handicrafts, and IT services sectors. Currently, the academy rollout covers major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Hyderabad, Peshawar, and Quetta.
A Collaborative Push for a Digital Nation
Meta and MoITT are delivering this program collaboratively. AtomCamp is actively taking charge as the implementing partner. Additionally, several key local organizations are supporting the initiative. These include the Ignite National Technology Fund, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), and DialZero.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja spoke at the launch today. She highlighted that equipping SMEs with digital and AI capabilities remains essential for building a competitive and innovative economy. She stated:
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and empowering them with digital and AI capabilities is central to the Prime Minister’s vision of an inclusive, innovation-driven future.
She added that this partnership with Meta creates opportunities, strengthens digital skills, and accelerates the country’s journey toward a Digital Nation Pakistan. Furthermore, she emphasized the critical need for continued collaboration between the government, tech companies, and industry stakeholders.
Part of a Broader Regional Vision
The Small Business Growth Academy in Pakistan forms part of a massive Asia-Pacific initiative. Meta is currently rolling out this program across 12 countries in the region. However, the company has tailored the Pakistani version strictly to local market requirements. The training translates directly into tangible business growth and increased competitiveness.
Tehara Punchihewa, Associate Public Policy Manager for Asia-Pacific at Meta, shared the platform’s vision for the project. She explained:
At Meta, we see every day how small businesses use our AI-enabled tools to reach customers and grow.
The Small Business Growth Academy is about giving more entrepreneurs the practical skills and support they need to use these tools confidently, compete more effectively, and take part in the opportunities being created by the digital economy.
