Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Meta have launched a new initiative to help more than 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses in Pakistan improve their digital and AI skills.

The Small Business Growth Academy will provide free training to SME owners on using digital platforms and artificial intelligence to expand their businesses.

The initiative will give priority encouragement to women-led businesses, according to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication.

Participants will receive practical training on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp Business, including ways to build an online presence and communicate more effectively with customers.

The academy will also cover digital branding, content development, targeted advertising and online marketing. Entrepreneurs will additionally learn how AI tools can be used to streamline business activities and improve productivity.

The ministry said the initiative is aimed at helping Pakistani SMEs increase sales and find new customers in domestic and international markets.

Registration is now open, with training sessions scheduled to start in September 2026.

The initiative is being implemented with 8tama Camp, while Ignite, SMEDA, P@SHA, PSEB and DialZero are supporting its rollout.

Business owners interested in joining the academy have been advised to register at the earliest.