ONDC collaborates with Meta to elevate the digital presence of Indian small businesses through WhatsApp, offering training programs and leveraging the Meta Small Business Academy.
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In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize the landscape of Indian small businesses, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has forged a strategic alliance with Meta, the US-based multinational technology conglomerate. The move was announced by Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday. This collaboration is poised to amplify sales opportunities for small enterprises by harnessing the power of the popular messaging platform WhatsApp, coupled with comprehensive training programs.
Empowering Indian Small Businesses through Digital Upskilling
The partnership’s primary focus is to digitally upskill five lakh micro, small, and medium businesses over the next two years through the Meta Small Business Academy. By delving into the intricacies of WhatsApp’s technology and features, entrepreneurs will learn to communicate effectively with customers and establish robust relationships within their target demographics.
ONDC’s CEO and managing director, T Koshy, emphasized the transformative impact of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Meta will not only digitally upskill these businesses but will also enable them to connect with a customer base far and wide.” This collaborative effort aligns with ONDC’s mission to empower businesses in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Government Vision
The partnership between ONDC and Meta is not merely a business arrangement but a strategic step towards realizing the government’s vision for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President of Meta India, highlighted this alignment, stating, “Our partnership with ONDC builds on supporting the government’s vision for DPI and furthering our ongoing commitment to skilling small businesses and aiding this digital transformation in the country.”
ONDC’s Role in Enabling Seller Apps
As part of the collaboration, ONDC will play a pivotal role in enabling business solution providers to function as seller apps. By bringing these businesses onto its platform, ONDC seeks to expand their reach and tap into a wider customer demographic. This multifaceted approach aims to not only enhance the digital skills of entrepreneurs but also provide them with a platform to showcase and sell their products and services effectively.
Introducing ‘Sahayak’: ONDC’s WhatsApp Chatbot
In its commitment to facilitating seamless seller-customer communication, ONDC has developed a WhatsApp chatbot named ‘Sahayak.’ This AI-powered assistant aims to enhance customer interactions and streamline business operations. As part of the collaboration, Meta will contribute its technological expertise to further enhance the capabilities of ‘Sahayak,’ providing small businesses with an advanced tool for efficient communication and customer engagement.
Meta’s Commitment to Digital Commerce and Entrepreneurship
Meta, in a statement on Facebook, expressed its dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing them with access to digital tools and skills essential for unlocking the potential of digital commerce. This collaboration exemplifies Meta’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the growth of small businesses in India.
A Transformative Partnership for Digital Growth
The partnership between ONDC and Meta signifies a transformative step toward empowering Indian small businesses in the digital realm. By combining digital upskilling initiatives with the expansive reach of WhatsApp and the Meta Small Business Academy, this collaboration aims to create a symbiotic ecosystem where businesses thrive and contribute to the broader vision of Digital Public Infrastructure. As the partnership unfolds, entrepreneurs can look forward to a future where they harness the full potential of digital commerce, aided by the expertise and resources of ONDC and Meta.
The collaboration between ONDC and Meta is poised to catalyze a digital revolution for Indian businesses. With 5 lakh entrepreneurs undergoing digital upskilling via the Meta Small Business Academy, enhanced WhatsApp capabilities, and seller apps on ONDC’s platform, the outcome promises increased sales, expanded market reach, and thriving small enterprises.
