Google Helps Create 864,600 Jobs in Pakistan: Report

Google supported 864,600 jobs by helping businesses expand through their use of Google Search, Google Ads, Google AdSense, Google Cloud, and YouTube in 2023, which stood 111 percent higher as compared to 2020, according to the ‘Economic Impact Report: Agay Barho: Empowering Pakistan’s Digital Economy’ report. As Google Ads unlocks new audiences, more people are required to service these customers, boosting job creation. Android supported an additional 100,400 jobs (+3% vs. 2022) across the app development ecosystem in Pakistan in 2023. The Android app ecosystem enables developers to create, market, monetize, and scale their products, creating jobs at every stage. In addition, support staff (e.g., marketing and finance support) are needed as the business expands. As Pakistan’s businesses grow, many turn to freelancers for additional support. From game testers to translators and copywriters to graphic designers, companies are engaging freelancers for their specialized skills and flexibility. Talents who use digital tools such as Google products and solutions are generally digitally fluent and hold higher-value jobs. This includes tech roles like digital marketing or cloud computing, with a higher propensity to spend and contribute to the economy. Pakistani talents are committed to digitally upskilling themselves, and Google is actively supporting their efforts. The recently launched Google AI Essentials course empowers people from any background to gain essential AI skills. This self-paced program, taught by Google’s AI experts, uses practical examples of how AI can boost productivity and be helpful for everyone. The Google Career Certificates (GCC) program offers nine self-paced courses based on today’s most in-demand skills, including business intelligence, data analytics, and e-commerce. Designed to bridge Pakistan’s education and inequality gaps, the GCC provided 44,500 scholarships in 2023, of which half went to women.54 Google has also committed to allocating the same number of scholarships in 2024. Over 80% of Pakistani GCC graduates have reported positive career outcomes, such as new employment or promotion, within six months of completing the program. Pakistan’s Apps Top on PlayStore The mobile app industry, in particular, has experienced significant growth, with Pakistan-developed apps gaining worldwide popularity. 65 apps (by 24 local developers) were in the global top 10 on both the Play Store and App Store, underscoring the global reach and appeal of Pakistani apps. 4 billion downloads of homegrown apps in 2022, making Pakistan the fastest-growing app market globally, according to a report. E-commerce is also surging in Pakistan. With increasing Internet penetration (57% nationally and 48% for rural areas) and a boom in online businesses, Pakistani companies are breaking barriers and embracing global markets. Online platforms are enabling businesses, even in rural areas, to export easily and cost-effectively. Studies have shown that businesses using online platforms are around five times more likely to export than those that do not. Google nurtures Pakistani talent, one Developer Group at a time Pakistan’s professionals, students, online learners, and freelancers can tap into a strong footprint of Google Developer Groups (8 Google Developer Groups and 82 Developer Student Clubs) across Pakistan for courses, events, and talks on the latest technological developments. The groups can also gain access to Google developers and technologists to learn from their experiences and best practices. In 2023, the program benefited over 100,000 developers in Pakistan.