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German software powerhouse SAP is deepening its footprint in Pakistan, framing the country’s expanding IT sector and its rapidly growing pool of young technologists as a strategic opportunity for long-term investment and regional influence.
Fahad Zahid, Interim Managing Director of SAP Pakistan, said the demographic strength of the country’s workforce is one of the clearest competitive advantages in South Asia.
In an interview to media outlets, he described Pakistan as home to “one of the most dynamic young tech workforces in the region,” adding that a new wave of startups, scale-ups and IT exporters are building digital-first business models that demand robust, enterprise-grade digital infrastructure.
Supporting a New Generation of Digital Businesses
SAP is actively promoting its GROW with SAP program, a cloud-based suite designed for digital-native companies that need automation, governance frameworks and globally compliant financial systems. At the same time, the company is increasing collaboration with Pakistani system integrators and IT exporters through co-innovation on the SAP Business Technology Platform. These partnerships aim to build AI-driven, automated and data-centric solutions for both domestic and international markets.
Pakistan’s IT sector continues to expand at record pace. Exports reached 3.8 billion dollars in the last fiscal year, and in October alone hit an all-time high of 386 million dollars, marking seventeen percent year-over-year growth.
Accelerating Cloud and AI Adoption
SAP’s strategy in Pakistan has shifted from traditional enterprise resource planning deployments to cloud-first, intelligence-driven transformation. Zahid said customers now expect outcomes, agility and embedded intelligence rather than simple system installations.
The company is pushing cloud adoption through RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP, offering industry-specific cloud services that improve forecasting accuracy, lower operational costs and modernize customer experience. SAP is also expanding talent-building programs such as the SAP Young Professionals Program and the Digital Skills Initiative to train youth in cloud computing, AI and advanced technologies.
A Potential Regional Tech Hub
SAP believes Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is on the brink of global relevance. The combination of a strong engineering workforce, competitive cost structures and globally aware founders creates what Zahid calls “a market that could become a regional technology hub.” He argues that consistency in policy and steady investment are essential to unlocking that potential.
The company also backs the government’s Digital Pakistan agenda, noting that its reforms are establishing the groundwork for a modern, interoperable digital economy.
Differentiating from Google While Welcoming Investment
Google’s decision to establish operations and assembly facilities in Pakistan has drawn wide public interest. Zahid welcomed the development, calling it a vote of confidence in Pakistan’s digital future. However, he emphasized that SAP’s role remains distinct. While Google expands device accessibility, SAP aims to strengthen the country’s enterprise backbone through secure cloud systems, AI capabilities, upskilled partners and co-innovation with local businesses.
“We power mission-critical operations across utilities, manufacturing and the public sector,” Zahid said. “These systems form the digital core on which Pakistan’s next decade of innovation will be built.”
SAP’s growing commitments indicate that Pakistan’s digital transformation is becoming central to global technology companies’ long-term strategies.
