MoU targets 150,000 Career Certificates in 2026 while supporting Pakistan’s $30 billion digital economy goal
The Government of Pakistan and Google have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, expand technology skills and strengthen artificial intelligence adoption.
The partnership is also aimed at supporting Pakistan’s ambition to grow its IT exports and digital economy to $30 billion by 2030.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony during a special reception for Google’s visiting leadership delegation.
Senior officials, including IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and representatives from Google and the US diplomatic mission, attended the event.
Under the agreement, Google plans to provide 150,000 Career Certificates to Pakistani youth during 2026. The initiative is designed to equip young people with practical, market-oriented skills in high-demand technology fields and improve their access to employment opportunities in the growing digital economy.
Free Gemini AI Plus access for students
The MoU also includes plans to provide students across Pakistan with advanced artificial intelligence tools. Google intends to offer one year of free Google AI Plus and Gemini Notebook access, enabling students to use AI for academic work, research and skill development.
The partnership will also explore expanding these programs in future years as demand for digital skills and AI-based learning increases.
Google AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad
Pakistan and Google have agreed to establish a dedicated AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad. The facility will focus on training young people and developing a workforce capable of meeting international technology industry standards.
AI adoption will also extend to government services. Under the Federal Board of Revenue transformation plan, Google will support the use of AI to improve public service delivery, streamline operations and accelerate digital transformation.
AI, agriculture and digital business expansion
The collaboration will promote AI applications in agriculture, including crop monitoring, yield forecasting and sustainable farming. Digital platforms will also help small and medium-sized enterprises reach international customers and expand their presence in global markets.
Google and Pakistan will further work on supporting local app developers and gaming studios, strengthening digital payments and expanding digital trade.
A joint task force involving government officials, Google and industry representatives will identify barriers to IT export growth.
The group will also examine investment opportunities in hardware manufacturing and technology services while focusing on workforce development and access to international markets.