Cape Town Celebrates Significant Growth in Call Center Job Market

Cape Town's business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has hit a new employment peak, celebrating the addition of over 10,000 jobs from March 2023 to March 2024. The industry growth reflects the city's increasingly influential role as a top location for international BPO companies and investors.

Thursday was a day of celebration for the City of Cape Town as it recognized this significant economic achievement. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, alongside Mayco member for Economic Growth James Vos, visited leading call centers EXL and Teleperformance, acknowledging their substantial contribution to local job creation. These visits signify the city’s dedication to recognizing businesses that significantly bolster the job market.

The record-breaking employment numbers are a result of strategic initiatives by the city to fuel economic development and increase job opportunities, particularly for younger residents. An impressive 90,000 individuals now make their livelihood in the Cape Town call center industry.

Behind this success is CapeBPO, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) funded by the city to offer skill development in the call center sector and promote Cape Town as an optimal BPO destination. According to Mayor Hill-Lewis, these efforts are not only about job provision but also about enhancing skills and futures.

The BPO sector's contribution to Cape Town's economy is undeniable, with a R21 billion annual addition, and with the presence of international giants like Teleperformance and EXL Service, the city sees a diverse influx of FDI and employment opportunities. Vos underscores this growth, viewing the sector as a critical driver of robust economic activity in the region.

Continued partnership and innovative training initiatives by the City's Economic Growth team position Cape Town as a foremost BPO hub on the continent. The ambition to not only create jobs but also integrate a skilled workforce into these roles demonstrates a comprehensive approach to economic development.

In the context of South Africa's broader job market challenges, Cape Town's BPO sector stands as a beacon of success. Its focus on public-private partnerships and community investment can serve as a model for similar growth throughout the country. The City promises ongoing support to SPVs like CapeBPO, ensuring the sector's continual expansion and the economic prosperity of its inhabitants.