ISLAMABAD: US-based technology conglomerate Mehta will train 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses in Pakistan this year in artificial intelligence and business, the Commerce Ministry announced on Thursday. The city of Islamabad is looking to tap into its youth to drive growth and innovation in the digital economy.
The statement was issued after a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and the Mehta delegation in Islamabad. The Department of Commerce said Meta announced details of the Small Business Academy program during the meeting. Launched in June, the project aims to help small and medium-sized businesses go from small to large by using digital and AI-enabled tools to find customers, improve productivity and grow across the Asia-Pacific region.
The ministry announced that the SME Growth Academy program will train 1,000 SMEs across Pakistan on Meta’s digital platform, AI-powered business tools and online marketing strategies from August to November 2026. The program will be conducted by AtomCamp, a Pakistani AI training and implementation company, and will be free of charge.
“The delegation shared that the program aims to improve digital skills, expand market access and support women entrepreneurs and small urban businesses through both physical and online training sessions,” the ministry said.
The development comes as Pakistan advances digital and AI initiatives across the government. Pakistan this week introduced an AI-based system in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to help track the Prime Minister’s directives and their implementation.
Khan said Pakistan is increasingly focusing on digital trade, e-commerce and the use of technology to expand exports, improve market intelligence and strengthen engagement with international markets through overseas trade missions.
He noted that Pakistan’s young population, increasing smartphone penetration and rapidly growing digital economy provide significant opportunities for technology companies to build digital skills and partner with the government to help entrepreneurs benefit from online platforms.
Khan assured Mehta that the Ministry of Commerce will facilitate adoption and institutional alignment across Pakistan’s business community.
“The Mehta delegation appreciated the Minister’s support for the SME Growth Academy and welcomed the opportunity to work with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations and business stakeholders to expand the scope of the program,” the statement said.
The latest development also signals Pakistan’s growing partnership with the tech giant. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Mehta this week signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to promote online safety and digital literacy across the country.
The PTA said that under the partnership it will work with Meta in capacity building, policy dialogue, awareness campaigns and exchange of global best practices on youth online safety and digital wellbeing.
