The Government of Pakistan has announced a major initiative under the Ignite National Technology Fund to ensure that 80% of SAP-certified trainees secure employment, either locally or internationally.
The program, outlined in Ignite’s Request for Proposal (RFP), aims to train 2,500 Pakistani youth in high-demand SAP certifications as part of efforts to position Pakistan as a global supplier of skilled IT professionals.
The SAP Skills Development and Employment Facilitation Program will be conducted in two batches, with 1,000 trainees in the first batch and 1,500 in the second. Training centers will operate in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Along with SAP technical training, the program includes soft skills development, CV building, interview coaching, and introductory language courses in German and Arabic to prepare participants for international employment markets. Job placement efforts will target countries including Saudi Arabia, Germany, the EU, Japan, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Ignite has emphasized that the initiative provides a structured and legal pathway to global employment, discouraging illegal migration. Trainees will pay a small commitment fee, while the selected contractor will ensure that participants complete training and certification exams. A German international partner will support global demand mapping and employer outreach to strengthen job placement opportunities.
The program will be executed by a private-sector contractor selected through a competitive process. Only authorized SAP partners or Value Added Resellers are eligible, and they must demonstrate the capacity to train thousands of candidates across multiple regions. The RFP includes strict transparency requirements, anti-corruption clauses, and allows Ignite to terminate the contract for non-performance. Compliance will be monitored by a Project Review Committee comprising Ignite, SAP Pakistan, the contractor, and the German partner.
The continuation of the second batch depends on the successful outcomes of the first, including certification pass rates and job placements. The 25-month project is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s IT workforce export potential, align with the Prime Minister’s digital vision, and provide thousands of young Pakistanis access to high-value global careers.
