India is poised to play a crucial role in the rapid expansion of corporate learning and development in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by the adoption of AI-led upskilling, according to a report by Courseplay. The global corporate learning and development market is projected to increase from $408 billion in 2025 to $687 billion by 2032, with Asia-Pacific anticipated to be the fastest-growing market at a 9.9% CAGR.
The report highlighted that the Retail & FMCG sector is expected to emerge as the swiftest-growing industry vertical in the global corporate learning market. It forecasted this sector to grow from $69 billion in 2025 to $131 billion by 2032, indicating a 9.7% CAGR, as organizations ramp up investments in workforce capabilities to align with AI-driven business transformations.
As businesses expedite digital transformation and embrace skills-based talent strategies, learning is evolving into a strategic capability-building engine that enhances productivity, operational flexibility, innovation, and long-term business resilience, the report emphasized.
AI, advanced analytics, automation, digital commerce, and smart supply chain technologies are reshaping workforce capability requirements across the FMCG value chain. Moreover, the report noted that digital skill gaps and ongoing talent shortages are prompting increased enterprise investments in workforce development.
Arjun Gupta, Founder & CEO of Courseplay, highlighted the shift in competitive advantage within the FMCG sector towards workforce capability enhancement. He stressed the importance of continuous, personalized, AI-driven learning integrated into work processes to empower employees to acquire relevant skills efficiently.
Organizations are increasingly focusing on technology-driven and business-critical skills, with digital, AI, and data capabilities comprising 32% of workforce upskilling priorities. This is followed by supply chain and operational capabilities at 24% and commercial and digital commerce skills at 18%.
