Tech Desk 
Dec 05, 2025
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on Thursday announced a major national initiative to upskill 25,000 young Pakistanis in Systems, Applications, and Products (SAP) in data processing technologies.
The programme, to be implemented through the ministry’s technology fund Ignite, is designed to address persistent skill gaps in Pakistan while tapping into the rising global demand for SAP-certified professionals.
Under the first phase, Ignite will train 2,500 IT professionals in two different batches; one batch will have a total number of 1,000 trainees, and the second batch will have 1,500 trainees, all depending on their performance.
The programme offers end-to-end support for all trainees and will cover the following perks:
- Professional SAP training
- Certification exam preparation
- Job placement and employer outreach
- Visa facilitation
- Soft skills and introductory German and Arabic language modules
Demand for SAP-certified talent is on the rise globally, with job portal estimates indicating a shortage of more than 400,000 SAP specialists around the world.
Large global enterprises powered by SAP systems include Siemens, Volkswagen, DHL, Nestlé and Unilever, while more than half the Fortune 500 companies make use of SAP platforms.
Officials noted that the programme could help curb chronic underemployment, increase remittances, and provide legal, structured pathways to international careers, a critical need as irregular migration remains a serious concern.
Ignite says the initiative is shaped by both Pakistan’s domestic challenges and global opportunities: restricted access to high-value global markets, limited specialised training, and a growing international talent gap.
