Every year in Pakistan, around 6.2 million people turn 18. But the harsh reality is that there simply aren’t enough jobs available for all of them. So, the question is: should we become job seekers, or should we become job creators? The answer lies in learning how to build businesses, and one of the most promising paths is through e-commerce.
Empowering Youth Through E-Commerce
Over the past several years, a massive shift has occurred. A digital revolution is transforming how we buy and sell, and Pakistan is no exception. A community of over 1.8 million members—one of the largest e-commerce communities in the world—has formed under the banner of “E-commerce by Enablers.” It started by teaching people how to sell on Amazon using local Pakistani products, and it has now evolved into a movement for business education and self-reliance.
Why E-Commerce? Why Now?
Globally, over 6 billion people are active on social media. The digital marketplace is growing at a staggering rate. By 2027, global e-commerce is expected to reach $8.2 trillion in transactions. In Pakistan alone, annual online buying and selling has already crossed the $6 billion mark. The opportunity is massive—not just to buy, but to become sellers and entrepreneurs.
But success in e-commerce isn’t just about uploading products. It requires identifying demand, understanding markets, and using strategic tools like artificial intelligence. E-commerce and AI now go hand-in-hand, and applying these tools within your domain is key to scaling.
A Proven Strategy: Targeting the Right Market
Success in e-commerce often comes down to strategy. One approach that has worked well is focusing on the U.S. market, especially states like California and North Carolina. California alone has over 60 million residents and is home to some of the wealthiest people in the world. By targeting specific cities like Raleigh in North Carolina or understanding local preferences, entrepreneurs can tailor their offerings and advertising for maximum impact.
One powerful tactic is to identify universal needs. For example, data shows that in the U.S., 68 out of 100 homes have pets, and 38% of households have children. This means there is a huge demand for pet-related and baby-related products. By focusing on such niches, sellers can find long-term profitability.
Using Data to Identify Demand
Another method to find winning products is through market research. For instance, studies show that 70% of people in Belgium wear glasses—indicating high demand for eyewear. Similarly, in France, 8 out of 10 people buy a new phone accessory every month. With such data in hand, sellers can source inexpensive but high-demand items from countries like China and sell them at a significant markup in Europe.
One example given is a multi-charging cable bought for just 80 cents in China and sold for 25 euros in France. This business model works when you know your niche, understand your market, and use digital platforms to reach your target customers.
Platforms That Work
Today, sellers are not limited to just Amazon. Platforms like Walmart, Shopify, TikTok Shop, and eBay also offer powerful opportunities for selling products internationally. Using digital advertising and tools like Google Ads and Keyword Planners, sellers can locate demand-rich markets and place their products directly in front of buyers.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s youth can no longer rely solely on traditional employment. With the right skills, data, and digital platforms, they can become entrepreneurs and job creators. The future lies in building communities, mastering digital commerce, and using technology like AI to stay ahead.
Let’s not just be consumers—let’s be creators, sellers, and leaders in the global economy.
