CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is set for a major boost after French firm TP (formerly Teleperformance) pledged R145 million (US$8.6 million) in investment at the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference in Sandton.
According to a report from ITWeb, the commitment is expected to generate 2,600 new jobs, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading BPO and fintech hub in Africa.
BPO sector fuels local employment and growth
The BPO industry, also known as global business services, has long been identified as a key driver for job creation, particularly for youth and women.
According to the national industry body Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), “business process outsourcing grew from 65,000 jobs in 2019, to an estimated 150,000 in 2024” in South Africa, with nearly 100,000 positions concentrated in Cape Town.
TP’s latest investment is expected to further accelerate this growth. The company already employs 6,000 people in South Africa, with 5,500 based in Cape Town.
City officials noted that TP opened a new call center in the city, signaling the company’s continued commitment to the local workforce.
BPESA and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition have laid out a masterplan aiming to attract more foreign direct investment and create 500,000 cumulative jobs by 2030.
South Africa ranks as the world’s third most attractive offshoring destination, with its English-speaking workforce serving markets including the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia.
Investment conference highlights strong domestic and foreign interest
The sixth South Africa Investment Conference confirmed 81 private-sector investments totaling R415 billion (US$8.6 million), spanning all nine provinces and 22 source markets across five continents.
“The cumulative value of the pledges made at this conference are the highest we have achieved since the first South Africa Investment Conference. It is also the highest number of projects,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighting the significance of the pledges.
“Much of this is domestic capital, demonstrating the strong and growing confidence of South African investors in our own economy,” Ramaphosa added.
Three-quarters of the committed capital—R314.2 billion (US$18.85 billion)—originates from domestic investors, with a notable rise in foreign direct investment complementing these efforts.
The conference emphasized decarbonization, digitization, diversification, and ease of doing business as central themes.
As South Africa continues to attract both domestic and international investment in the BPO sector, the country’s outsourcing industry appears poised for sustained growth.
With skilled local talent and competitive global positioning, South Africa could emerge as a preferred destination for companies seeking English-speaking, cost-effective outsourcing solutions, strengthening its role in the international BPO landscape.
