Business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in South Africa fuels economic growth

The BPO sector in South Africa, especially in the Western Cape, is attracting leading global companies and making a significant impact on the economy.

These companies are not only setting up operations in the Western Cape, but are also investing in training and upskilling local South Africans to provide high quality professional services to clients around the world. This is reported by the official website of the South African Government.

Each offshore BPO job in South Africa generates R350 000 (US$19,229) in foreign income for the economy. With approximately 100 000 BPO jobs in the country, the majority of which (60 000) are in the Western Cape, a total of R35 billion (US$1,9 billion) is injected into the economy.

“This means that for the approximately 100 000 BPO jobs country wide, the majority of which (approximately 60 000) are right here in the Western Cape, R35 billion goes into our national economy. The value that our talented people contribute on the world’s stage is impressive,” explained Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

By emphasising skills development and creating meaningful careers, BPO has become a solution to unemployment and providing opportunities for South Africans.

The Western Cape Government's economic plan, Growth for Jobs, aims to support the private sector to expand and create new jobs. Working with stakeholders in the BPO sector, the government aims to grow the industry to enable more South Africans, especially young people, to realise their full potential.