Uganda is pushing to become a regional business process outsourcing (BPO) hub, leveraging its young workforce and expanding digital infrastructure to meet growing global demand for remote services. Government and industry leaders say the sector could create thousands of jobs, attract foreign investment, and support economic growth while reducing the need for young Ugandans to seek work overseas.
Youth and skills fuel Uganda’s BPO ambitions
At the center of Uganda’s BPO strategy is its demographic advantage. With a population of roughly 46 million, more than 70% of whom are under 30, the country has a large pool of young people with digital skills in information technology, fintech, and telemedicine.
That demographic edge is shaping national policy. Dr. Amina Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, describes BPO as a flexible service model where individuals or companies provide services without being full-time employees of the contracting organization.
Speaking on The Ugandan Podcast, Zawedde said the model allows businesses to scale efficiently while creating employment opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
She also pointed to Uganda’s strong English proficiency and its equatorial time zone, which helps local providers to support clients in the United States and other international markets. To improve job matching, the Ministry has launched a national BPO portal that allows young professionals to register their skills and connect directly with potential employers.
Early results are already emerging. U.S.-based outsourcing firm Helpware currently employs more than 600 Ugandans and has announced plans to expand its local workforce to 5,000.
Private sector and global firms step in
Private companies are also playing a key role in shaping Uganda’s BPO ecosystem. Hassan Saleh, CEO of MultiChoice Uganda, said the company relies heavily on outsourced call centers, content production, and installation services.
“Digital enablement means creators no longer need to travel to pitch content,” Saleh said. “They can submit online, which has increased volumes and helped us identify new talent.” MultiChoice employs nearly 300 people in call centers and works with more than 500 independent installers coordinated through digital platforms.
Improved broadband access and the wider use of digital tools across industries have helped support this growth.
Government targets 150,000 BPO jobs by 2030
Uganda’s BPO ambitions are backed by a clear national policy framework. The Business Process Outsourcing Policy, launched in February 2025, outlines incentives and operating guidelines aimed at attracting local and international investors. The policy aligns with Uganda’s five-year Digital Transformation Roadmap, which prioritizes infrastructure development, cybersecurity, skills training, and innovation.
During the Uganda Tech Value Workshop in November 2025, Zawedde reaffirmed the government’s target of creating 150,000 BPO jobs by 2030. “Our goal is to support Ugandan companies to become globally competitive, creating jobs and driving economic growth,” she said.
With policy support, private-sector participation, and a tech-savvy youth population, Uganda is steadily positioning itself as a competitive player in the global BPO market.
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Uganda Bureau of Statistics. (2025). Thematic Report on the Adolescents and Youths in Uganda.https://www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/Youth-and-Adolescents-in-Uganda.pdf
Macayan, D. (2026, February 3). Uganda bets on BPO to power its growing digital economy. Outsource Accelerator. https://news.outsourceaccelerator.com/uganda-bpo-digital-economy/
