Microsoft backs African startup to create 100K outsourcing jobs
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Tech giant Microsoft and Nigerian social enterprise Tech4Dev are throwing their weight behind a plan to create 100,000 new digital outsourcing jobs across Africa over the next seven years.
Both companies aim to tap into the potential of Africa‘s burgeoning technology talent and large young population through Tech4Dev’s new business process outsourcing (BPO) venture Taltrix.
Announced at a launch event in Lagos, the goal is to provide much-needed job opportunities for African youth by growing outsourcing services.
“We have young Nigerians that speak good English. We have talented people, we are also in a good time zone. So this has a lining for us in the right places,” said Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana Country Director Ola Williams.
However, while millions are trained across Africa yearly, too few find work afterward. Taltrix aims to bridge that gap, initially focusing on Nigeria, which already has established infrastructure to employ 1,000 people in 14 cities.
The venture then plans to expand across 100 cities on the continent and directly employ 100,000 Africans by 2030. Taltrix CEO Joel Ogunsola said Africa’s outsourcing sector has the potential to balloon into a $200 billion industry.
Government commitments to leverage BPO for job creation and multinationals seeking cheaper services signal growth opportunities. Microsoft is banking on Africa’s tech-savvy youth to power this new digital jobs boom.
