SAP Urges Pakistani Businesses to Adopt AI Strategically and Invest in Digital Skills
SAP Identifies AI, SMEs and Skilled Workforce as Key Drivers of Pakistan’s Digital Transformation
Karachi: Artificial Intelligence (AI), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), education and workforce development are emerging as major drivers of Pakistan’s digital economy, according to SAP. The company has highlighted the need for strategic technology adoption and investment in digital skills to help businesses benefit from the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
Speaking at a media roundtable held alongside SAP Innovation Day, Saqib Sabah, Head of MEA North Growth Cluster at SAP, highlighted Pakistan’s potential to contribute to the regional and global technology ecosystem through its skilled workforce and growing technological capabilities.
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“Pakistan has good education, talent and, more importantly, ambition. The ability and willingness to learn and develop are important assets of this country,” Sabah said.
SAP Emphasises Strategic AI Adoption for Pakistani Businesses
Ahmed Al Faifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Middle East and Africa North at SAP, said businesses need a clear strategy to adopt artificial intelligence effectively.
He stressed that AI implementation should be connected with enterprise data, existing business processes and employees to deliver meaningful results.
“AI is not cheap. Businesses need a strategy that connects artificial intelligence with enterprise data, business processes and people,” Al Faifi said.
He cautioned that adopting AI without integrating it into existing business operations could increase costs and complexity instead of generating business value.
Digital Transformation Can Help Pakistan’s SMEs Compete Globally
The roundtable also highlighted the opportunities digitalisation can create for Pakistan’s small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly businesses involved in exports.
Digital systems can help SMEs improve record-keeping, product traceability, regulatory compliance, sustainability reporting and corporate governance. These capabilities can strengthen their operations and help them meet international market requirements.
SAP Highlights Education and Digital Skills Development
Education, workforce development and digital literacy were identified as essential elements of Pakistan’s readiness for wider AI adoption.
SAP highlighted its education initiatives, which have supported approximately 400,000 student training days over the past five years. The company also confirmed its ongoing engagement with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the Ministry of Information Technology and the Government of Pakistan.
SAP indicated that further developments related to these engagements could be announced in the coming weeks.
Pakistan’s Digital Economy Needs Stronger Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
The discussion concluded with an emphasis on strengthening Pakistan’s digital foundations through education, technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and continuous skills development.
These priorities are expected to play an important role in preparing businesses, students and professionals to benefit from emerging technologies and contribute to Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
