Pakistan’s digital and IT services exports reached a record $4.6 billion in FY 2024-25, fueled by a maturing ecosystem of small and medium-sized enterprises, gaming studios, and service providers increasingly competing on global stages, according to Nagesh Devata, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific at Payoneer.
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“Pakistan is becoming more competitive on talent and cost, and payment reliability is improving,” Devata said during a recent media interaction in Pakistan. “The momentum is no longer limited to a single segment; it spans software development, gaming, digital creative services, and business process outsourcing.”
With over 5 million SMEs contributing nearly 40% to Pakistan’s GDP, the shift toward services-led exports marks a critical inflection point. However, structural barriers remain. Cross-border payment complexities, FX volatility, and long settlement cycles have historically constrained Pakistani businesses from scaling internationally.
Payoneer, operates across more than 190 countries and territories. It provides multi-currency accounts, streamlined collections, and tools that help exporters manage cash flow and currency risk. “Global clients expect structured invoicing and predictable settlements,” Devata explained. “Reliable payment flows are a key enabler as businesses move from one-off projects to long-term, recurring international contracts.”
The gaming sector has emerged as a strong and fast-growing area within Pakistan’s digital exports, driven by rising global demand for skilled development talent. Pakistani studios are increasingly securing milestone-based and recurring contracts across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, reflecting growing trust in the country’s gaming and creative capabilities.
Looking ahead, Devata emphasized education and ecosystem building: “Our role is to bridge local talent with global markets, enabling sustainable, long-term participation in international commerce.”
As Pakistan’s services exports continue their upward trajectory, reaching $6.24 billion with 9.85% year-on-year growth, payment infrastructure is proving critical to converting talent into sustainable export revenue.
