SOUTH AFRICA’S BPO SECTOR CONTINUES TO BOOM

July 22, 2017

Latest data from the 2016 BPESA Key Indicator Report reveals that the BPO sector has created 222 500 jobs to date.

The BPESA Key Indicator Report is the official research publication for the South African BPO/Contact centre sector, providing insights on key industry metrics such as employment status, attrition rate, absenteeism, salary breakdown, and an overview of the South African value proposition.

Last month BPESA launched the 2016 edition of the report which shows consistent job growth with approximately 7 500 new jobs created in the BPO sector during 2016.

Although roughly 85% of the total number of BPO jobs are created domestically, with around 71% of these based on Gauteng, an estimated 77% of the jobs created during 2016 have been as a result of international investment into South Africa. The Western Cape accounts for the majority of international jobs created in the sector, housing 63% of the offshore market.

BPO remains one of the leading job sectors for unemployed youth, with an estimated 64% of the workforce aged between 18 – 25 years. Interim BPESA National CEO, Fagri Semaar, says that the sector provides low barrier to entry which makes it appealing to first time job seekers and youth.

“High career growth prospects, minimal entry level requirements, and keen interest from international brands and operators have facilitated job creation opportunities for youth.”

English native speaking markets such as the UK, Australia, and the USA continue to account for the majority of South Africa’s offshore market. The UK accounts for 63.3% of the market, Australia 25.1%, and the USA 3.8%.

The report also reveals that 51.5% of offshore work serviced is predominantly in the telecommunications industry and 66.5% of domestic work serviced is in the financial services industry.