Pakistan’s Digital Export Boom: How Payment Reliability Is Turning Talent into Revenue

 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.  “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.