Ignite National Technology Fund has launched an independent third-party assessment of the DigiSkills.pk program to measure its overall impact on Pakistan’s digital skills and freelancing ecosystem.
The review will evaluate the program’s performance from its launch in 2018 through November 2025, with a focus on outcomes related to skills development, employment, and income generation across the country.
DigiSkills.pk, implemented by the Virtual University of Pakistan under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, is the largest digital skills training initiative in Pakistan. Since its launch, the program has enrolled more than 4.87 million individuals nationwide. It has expanded in multiple phases, increasing the number of courses to meet changing demands in the global digital economy.
The assessment will verify reported enrollment figures, participation levels, and trainee engagement. It will also examine how well the training aligns with current freelancing market needs. In addition, the review will analyze how many graduates entered freelancing after completing the courses and identify major freelancing hubs across Pakistan, including trends in participation among women and youth.
A major part of the study will focus on estimating the earnings and foreign remittances generated by DigiSkills graduates. It will analyze income growth trends since 2018 and evaluate the program’s contribution to Pakistan’s position in the global freelancing market. The assessment will also compare outcomes achieved with and without the program’s intervention.
The final report is expected to provide evidence-based findings and policy-focused recommendations to support future improvements in digital skills development. The results will be used to guide government decision-making, strengthen program design, and help expand digital employment opportunities in Pakistan.