In a significant leap for Pakistan’s digital economy, Google’s AI-powered products and solutions have generated Rs. 3.9 trillion in economic benefits for Pakistani businesses and households in 2023, marking a 222 percent increase from 2020. This growth is attributed to Google’s efforts in helping Pakistani businesses digitize and access international markets, as detailed in the report “ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT: Agay Barho: Empowering Pakistan’s Digital Economy.”
According to the report, Access Partnership previously estimated that in 2020, Google products and solutions supported Rs. 1 trillion in economic activity for businesses and Rs. 210.2 billion in benefits for households. The latest figures highlight a substantial increase, with Google Search, Google Ads, Google AdSense, Google Play, Google Cloud, and YouTube collectively contributing Rs. 2.6 trillion to Pakistan’s business sector in 2023—a 159 percent rise since 2020. Notably, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) reaped 58 percent of this value, underscoring Google’s pivotal role in nurturing Pakistan’s SMB ecosystem.
SMBs emerged as the primary beneficiaries, deriving Rs. 1.5 trillion, or 58 percent, of the Rs. 2.6 trillion benefits enjoyed by all businesses. Google’s advertising and app publishing solutions have significantly bolstered Pakistan’s digital exports, with AI-powered products enabling an estimated Rs. 249 billion in export benefits for local businesses.
On the household front, Google Search, Google Maps, Google Play, Google Drive, and YouTube contributed Rs. 1.3 trillion in 2023, a 526 percent increase from 2020, accounting for 33 percent of the total economic benefits. These platforms have enhanced daily life in Pakistan, offering entertainment through YouTube and improving efficiency and access to information via Search and other tools.
Google Ads and Google AdSense have played a crucial role in boosting exports for Pakistani businesses, enhancing the country’s global competitiveness. YouTube has connected content creators with international collaborators and audiences, with 55 percent of viewers coming from outside Pakistan, thereby increasing monetization opportunities.
Real-time collaboration through Google Workspace has led to productivity gains, saving Pakistani workers an estimated 40 days of work per year through shared access, storage, and online documents, as well as reduced meeting times.
Google continues to innovate with new products like its AI model Gemini, formerly known as Bard, which aids individuals and organizations in brainstorming, sparking creativity, and boosting productivity. For local mobile app developers, Google Play has unlocked global reach, with revenue primarily driven by international customers.
The report emphasizes Pakistan’s potential to accelerate economic growth and create quality jobs through digital exports. By investing in digital skills and leveraging AI-powered products and services, Pakistani businesses can expand into international markets and enhance their competitiveness. This presents opportunities for Pakistanis to engage actively in the digital economy, paving the way for future prosperity.
Google’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development is evident through initiatives like free digital skills training and collaborations with both public and private sectors, reinforcing its support for the country’s digital transformation.
As Pakistan embraces digital technologies and harnesses the potential of its young and talented workforce, it stands poised to become a key player in the digital economy, driving sustainable and inclusive growth for its citizens.
