Pakistan Introduces Entrepreneurship as Compulsory Subject in National Curriculum
In a move aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and driving economic growth, Pakistan has made entrepreneurship a compulsory subject in the national curriculum for grades 9-12. The decision was announced by the Chief Executive Officer of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Farhan Aziz Khawaja, during his keynote speech at the International See Pakistan Conference organized by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP).
The inclusion of entrepreneurship in the curriculum is expected to promote an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age and equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the business world. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to encourage women’s economic empowerment and bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
Pakistan currently ranks low on the Global Gender Gap Index, with women’s participation in entrepreneurship being significantly lower than men. However, by increasing support for women entrepreneurs and providing equal opportunities, Pakistan aims to tap into the immense potential of its female population. It is estimated that if women’s participation in entrepreneurial activities is enhanced, it could contribute up to US $28 trillion or 26 percent to the country’s annual GDP by 2025.
Highlighting the importance of women’s entrepreneurship, Farhan Aziz emphasized the need for gender-responsive policies and frameworks. To address this, SMEDA is working in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank to formulate an exclusive Women Entrepreneurship Policy and Action Plan. This program aims to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, including legal and regulatory support, improved access to credit, and enhanced skills development opportunities.
In addition to the inclusion of entrepreneurship in the national curriculum, Pakistan is also nurturing sports entrepreneurship. Taking inspiration from professionally managed football leagues around the world, SMEDA’s Sports Industries Development Centre (SDIC) is leading efforts to promote entrepreneurship through sports, with a particular focus on Sialkot.
Farhan Aziz encouraged students to take advantage of SMEDA’s handholding services for the implementation of their innovative business projects. SMEDA is dedicated to supporting e-commerce startups and connecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to local and global markets. Through competitive engagement with Business Development Service Providers, SMEDA offers online training and incubation support for e-commerce business development.
The announcement of making entrepreneurship a compulsory subject in Pakistan’s national curriculum has been met with positive responses from various stakeholders. It is seen as a step towards building a more dynamic and sustainable economy, where entrepreneurial skills are nurtured from an early age, and women’s participation is encouraged and supported.
The introduction of entrepreneurship in the national curriculum reflects Pakistan’s commitment to creating an enterprising nation and nurturing its youth to become successful entrepreneurs. By equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills, Pakistan is laying a strong foundation for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and a prosperous future.
