In a strategic partnership, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, are expanding the ‘WhatsApp Se Wyapaar’ program, dedicated to digitally train and upskill 10 million local traders using the WhatsApp Business App. The joint initiative aims to empower small enterprises across India, enabling them to embrace digitalization and thrive in the evolving business landscape. Meta, previously known as Facebook, had pledged to upskill one million traders on the WhatsApp Business App in June, and this partnership with CAIT signifies its continued commitment to this vision.
The core objective of this collaboration is to ensure a localized digitalization effort by offering comprehensive training in 11 Indian languages, spanning across all 29 Indian states. Through a series of workshops, CAIT will equip traders with the knowledge and skills required to digitize their storefronts and establish a ‘digital dukaan’ using the WhatsApp Business App. The program will focus on educating traders about various tools and features available on the app, such as Catalogue, Quick Replies, and Click to WhatsApp Ads, to enhance their online presence and expand their customer reach.
Praveen Khandelwal, the National Secretary General of CAIT, recognizes the immense potential of technology as a catalyst for growth in today’s dynamic business environment. By joining forces with Meta, CAIT aims to help traders across India embrace innovative ways of expanding their businesses, empowering them with the right digital tools and resources. This initiative has the potential to create a more comprehensive customer base for traders, allowing them to scale their operations and make significant contributions to India’s flourishing digital economy.
The partnership will further CAIT’s mission to provide digital skilling opportunities to the trading community. As part of this collaboration, 25,000 traders will gain access to the Meta Small Business Academy, offering course modules and examinations in seven languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. This multilingual approach ensures that the program reaches Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across India, equipping new entrepreneurs and marketers with vital digital marketing abilities to thrive on Meta’s suite of apps.
Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta, acknowledges India’s remarkable digital revolution and the enthusiastic adoption of platforms like WhatsApp by Indian entrepreneurs and small businesses. This partnership with CAIT is in line with Meta’s mission to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in seizing opportunities and playing a pivotal role in India’s tech-driven growth. Together, CAIT and Meta are poised to empower local traders, making a positive impact on India’s economic landscape and fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem.