SAP Highlights SMEs, AI and Skills as Pillars of Pakistan's Digital Economy

Artificial intelligence, small and medium-sized enterprises and workforce development are emerging as the main forces behind Pakistan's digital transformation, according to SAP executives who spoke at a media roundtable held alongside SAP Innovation Day. The company said strategic adoption of digital technologies, paired with investment in skills, will be essential for businesses hoping to compete at home and abroad.

Saqib Sabah, Head of the MEA North Growth Cluster at SAP, said Pakistan has the potential to contribute to regional and global technology ecosystems through its skilled workforce and expanding capabilities. He described the country's education system, talent pool and ambition as its most important assets, noting that the willingness to learn and develop sets Pakistan apart.

Ahmed Al Faifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Middle East and Africa North at SAP, stressed that companies need a clear strategy for adopting AI, one that connects the technology with enterprise data, business processes and people. He cautioned that AI is not cheap and that deploying it without integrating it into existing operations can raise costs and complexity instead of delivering business value.

The discussion also focused on opportunities for Pakistan's SME sector, particularly exporters, to gain from digitalisation. Digital systems can help smaller businesses improve record-keeping, traceability, regulatory compliance, sustainability reporting and governance, allowing them to compete more effectively in international markets.

Education and workforce development were another central theme. On Pakistan's readiness for AI adoption, Al Faifi emphasised continuous learning and digital literacy. SAP pointed to its education initiatives, including roughly 400,000 student training days supported over the past five years, and confirmed ongoing engagement with the Higher Education Commission, the Ministry of Information Technology and the Government of Pakistan, with further developments possible in the coming weeks.

The roundtable concluded with a focus on strengthening Pakistan's digital foundations through education, infrastructure, cybersecurity and continuous skills development, so that businesses and professionals are positioned to benefit from emerging technology opportunities.