Across Africa, the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is rapidly emerging as a pathway to economic empowerment for women. As global demand for remote services grows, African women are entering roles in customer support, IT-enabled services, and data processing—fields that were once largely male-dominated.
The African BPO market could generate $8.13 billion in revenue in 2025, with growth expected to reach $10.24 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.93%. This expansion creates vital employment opportunities across the continent, particularly for women in urban centers and emerging tech hubs.
Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana are at the forefront of this shift, investing in digital infrastructure and launching training initiatives to equip women with the skills for high-demand outsourcing roles. These efforts help them achieve greater financial independence and upward social mobility through long-term, globally competitive careers.
Training programs open doors to global careers
One notable example is CapeBPO, a skills development initiative based in South Africa, which has trained more than 2,000 young women in customer experience, digital marketing, and technical support. Many graduates have secured long-term positions with international firms, earning competitive salaries and gaining global exposure without needing to relocate abroad.
For Nombulelo Khumalo, a former informal trader from Cape Town, entering the BPO sector was transformative. “Now I can provide for my children and plan for their education,” she told The Star. “Before, I didn’t know anything about tech jobs—but with training and support, I’ve built a career I’m proud of.”
Flexible work schedules and remote job options also make BPO roles especially appealing to women managing caregiving responsibilities. According to TechSmart, many BPO firms now offer leadership and professional development programs to help women advance into supervisory and management roles.
Challenges remain despite progress
Significant challenges persist while the BPO industry has opened doors for many African women. Limited access to digital tools, poor internet infrastructure in rural areas, and deeply rooted gender-based cultural barriers hinder equal participation.
To bridge these gaps, advocates urge increased investment in digital literacy programs, broader internet access, and more inclusive workplace policies.
Reshni Singh, CEO of Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), highlighted the imbalance in leadership roles. In South Africa, women comprise about 70% of the BPO workforce, but only 30% handle managerial roles.
“This gender disparity not only hinders individual career growth but also limits the industry’s overall potential for innovation and success,” Singh said. She added that targeted training and mentorship can help women overcome barriers, strengthen their presence, and build strong personal brands in the workplace.
Despite these issues, experts remain optimistic. With sustained support and targeted initiatives, Africa’s BPO sector is expected to expand, creating more opportunities for women to build sustainable careers, uplift their families, and contribute to the continent’s broader economic growth.
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Briones, J. A. (2025, May 6). African women gain empowerment and careers in BPO industry. Outsource Accelerator. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://news.outsourceaccelerator.com/african-women-gain-empowerment-in-bpo-industry/
Olivia Jones Communications. (2024, October 29). South African Women Dominating Leadership Roles in One of the Country’s Fastest-Growing Sectors. MyPressportal. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://pressportal.co.za/business-and-economy/story/south-african-women-dominating-leadership-roles-in-one-of-the-country-s-fastest-growing-sectors.html
