Grab, ITC bring AI and digital skills training to MSMEs across the Philippines

Grab Philippines has partnered with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organisation, to help Filipino MSMEs strengthen their digital and artificial intelligence capabilities.

The partnership combines Grab’s public-private programme, Grab Asenso: Digital Diskarte, with ITC’s inclusive, competitive and responsible digital Philippines (Digital PINAS) programme. Rather than focusing solely on training, the collaboration will also establish a framework to monitor changes in merchants’ technology adoption and business performance.

The pilot will run through the end of 2026, bringing ITC-led training to Grab Asenso learning caravans in regional cities including Davao City, Cebu City, the City of San Fernando and Puerto Princesa.

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“Our vision is to build an even more expansive digital road network that reaches more MSMEs across cities and communities nationwide,” said Grab Philippines chief corporate officer Sherielysse Bonifacio. “That means going beyond market access and equipping entrepreneurs with the foundational skills, tools, and capabilities they need to participate confidently in the digital economy, expand their opportunities, and pursue sustainable growth.”

Training modules cover digital business profiles and online presence, branding and marketing content strategy, and the use of AI tools to improve business operations.

The curriculum can also be adapted to local MSME needs, with potential modules covering eCommerce, financial management, responsible technology adoption and export readiness.

At the Grab Asenso learning caravan in Davao City, for example, women farmer-entrepreneurs from the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Davao City Federation took part in sessions covering AI fundamentals for small businesses, branding strategy, product photography and digital business profile optimisation.

Grab trainers will complement the ITC sessions with refresher training on its own merchant tools, including Merchant AI Assistant, a 24/7 digital copilot for day-to-day business tasks, as well as Tap and Scan to Pay, which allows merchants to accept cashless payments through QR codes and cards.

Grab and ITC will assess merchants through assessments, check-ins, surveys and adoption data, tracking changes in business practices, technology use and performance.

“As the United Nations agency dedicated to small businesses, ITC believes digital transformation is no longer optional - it’s how small businesses expand into new markets, create livelihoods, and build resilience against shocks, from typhoons to market swings,” said Camille Roy, country programme manager at ITC.

“Digital PINAS was built on the commitment to reduce digital barriers and equip MSMEs, particularly those in underserved and underconnected communities, with the skills and support they need to become more competitive and sustainable.”

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