Artificial intelligence (AI), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), education and workforce development are emerging as important drivers of Pakistan’s digital transformation, according to SAP executives. Speaking at a media roundtable held alongside SAP Innovation Day, company representatives highlighted the need for businesses to adopt digital technologies strategically while investing in skills and capabilities required to support long-term growth. The discussion focused on how Pakistan can strengthen its position in the regional and global technology ecosystem by making better use of its skilled workforce, improving business processes and expanding digital adoption across industries. Saqib Sabah, Head of MEA North Growth Cluster at SAP, said Pakistan had significant potential because of its education system, available talent and willingness among people to learn and develop. He described the country’s ambition and ability to build new capabilities as important assets that could support its participation in the evolving technology landscape. His remarks placed workforce capabilities and continuous learning among the factors that could help businesses and professionals benefit from the opportunities created by digital transformation.
Ahmed A. Faifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Middle East and Africa North at SAP, emphasised that businesses needed a clear strategy before adopting artificial intelligence. He said AI implementation should connect technology with enterprise data, existing business processes and people rather than being treated as an isolated investment. Faifi cautioned that AI adoption could increase costs and operational complexity if organisations introduced the technology without integrating it into their existing systems and workflows. He also noted that AI was not an inexpensive investment, making it important for companies to identify how the technology would support their business objectives and deliver practical value. The discussion highlighted the importance of preparing enterprise data, reviewing operational requirements and ensuring employees are equipped to work with new technologies. For Pakistani businesses considering AI adoption, the emphasis was on developing a structured approach that connects technology investments with organisational needs. This includes understanding where AI can contribute to business operations and ensuring that its implementation is supported by the necessary data, processes and workforce capabilities.
The roundtable also examined opportunities for Pakistan’s SME sector, particularly businesses involved in exports, to benefit from digitalisation. Digital systems can help smaller enterprises improve record-keeping, traceability, regulatory compliance, sustainability reporting and governance. These capabilities are increasingly relevant for businesses seeking to participate in international markets, where reliable information and transparent operational processes can influence competitiveness. The discussion highlighted how digital tools can help SMEs strengthen their internal operations and meet requirements associated with global business activity. Alongside enterprise digitalisation, education and workforce development were identified as essential elements of Pakistan’s preparedness for wider AI adoption. Faifi stressed the importance of continuous learning and digital literacy, recognising that technology adoption requires people to develop the knowledge and skills needed to use new systems effectively. SAP also highlighted its education initiatives, reporting that approximately 400,000 student training days had been supported over the past five years. The initiative reflects the company’s focus on developing technology-related capabilities and supporting learning opportunities that can contribute to a more skilled workforce.
SAP further confirmed that it remained engaged with the Higher Education Commission, the Ministry of Information Technology and the Government of Pakistan, with the company indicating that further developments could be announced in the coming weeks. The engagement was highlighted as part of the broader discussion around education, skills development and strengthening the country’s digital capabilities. The roundtable concluded with an emphasis on building stronger foundations for Pakistan’s digital economy through education, infrastructure, cybersecurity and continuous workforce development. These areas were identified as important considerations for businesses and professionals seeking to respond to changing technology requirements and emerging opportunities. The discussion also connected AI adoption with wider economic priorities, including the digital development of SMEs and the ability of Pakistani businesses to compete in international markets. SAP’s remarks underscored that technology investment alone would not be sufficient to achieve meaningful transformation without appropriate planning, reliable infrastructure and skilled people. By bringing together AI strategy, enterprise digitalisation and education, the discussion highlighted several areas that could shape Pakistan’s approach to digital growth and help organisations prepare for an increasingly technology-driven business environment.
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