Cape Town launches BPO skills incubator for South Africa call centers
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Cape Town has launched the Youth Skills and Employment Incubator, a city-funded training program aimed at equipping young Capetonians with the skills needed for entry-level roles in the booming business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
Building career pathways in a high-growth sector
The incubator offers more than just training; it aims to transform lives by connecting participants with meaningful employment opportunities.
Alderman Vos emphasized the importance of building skills pipelines for high-growth industries like BPO, which consistently drives economic demand. He noted that Cape Town’s reputation as a leading destination for global business services delivery has been strengthened through partnerships like those with CapeBPO.
“I encourage young people who are not only looking for a job but thinking long-term about their careers, to sign up for this exciting opportunity,” said Vos, noting that people should grab the chance to hone their skills and secure a suited career.
The South African BPO market shows potential for creating 775,000 jobs by 2030 and this youth empowerment initiative plays a vital role in sustaining this growth.
Remarkable economic growth and job creation
The incubator reflects Cape Town’s broader strategy to support industries poised for substantial employment and economic growth.
BPO sector operations in Cape Town have surged in numbers from 45,400 jobs in 2015 to about 100,000 positions in 2024. The economic value generated by the sector escalated from ZAR 10.9 billion (US$573.8 million) in 2015 to ZAR 21 billion (US$1.1 billion) in mid-2024.
The expansion of Cape Town’s BPO industry emphasizes the need for the Youth Skills and Employment Incubator to establish the city as an ideal location for BPO investors through talent development and industrial growth support.
With its focus on upskilling youth and creating sustainable career pathways, the incubator positions Cape Town as a model for others seeking to address unemployment while boosting high-growth industries.
