Helpware expands in Uganda, boosting jobs amid new national BPO policy
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Helpware, a global business process outsourcing (BPO) company, is at the forefront of Uganda’s push to become a major player in the global outsourcing industry.
The United States-based firm has already created hundreds of jobs in Uganda and plans to expand its local workforce to 500 employees, signaling strong confidence in the country’s potential as an outsourcing hub.
Helpware is currently ranked #153 in the OA500 2025, an objective index of the world’s 500 top outsourcing companies.
Uganda’s BPO policy aims to boost jobs and foreign investment
Helpware’s commitment aligns with Uganda’s newly launched BPO policy, which offers incentives such as subsidized internet and improved digital infrastructure to attract international investors and create up to 150,000 jobs by 2030.
The new BPO policy is meant to turn Uganda into a competitive outsourcing destination by developing infrastructure, easing regulations, and providing incentives in the form of money.
Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the ICT Ministry, says the policy will offer subsidized internet rates for companies such as Helpware, which offer many jobs.
The government sees BPO as a critical driver of economic growth, particularly for Uganda’s young and tech-savvy workforce.
The sector could generate thousands of jobs if more firms follow Helpware’s lead, reducing unemployment and boosting digital skills among locals.
Helpware’s expansion signals confidence in Uganda’s BPO potential
Helpware, a BPO firm specializing in customer support, content moderation, and back-office services, is among the first major companies to capitalize on Uganda’s new policy.
Industry analysts believe that Helpware’s move may not only attract new players in the global BPO sector in Uganda but also tap the country’s cost-effective workforce with government support and competitive incentives.
“We want BPO to thrive in this country. For entities like Helpware that is recruiting 500 people, there will be a subsidized rate at which they get the Internet. This is to attract employers to employ more Ugandans in the sector,” said Zawedde, pointing out that subsidies on internet and other expenses make Uganda a viable investment destination.
Subsidized internet and incentives key to BPO growth
Uganda’s BPO policy highlights the provision of subsidized internet for firms in the sector.
Firms with large numbers, such as Helpware, will have operational costs reduced, which will make Uganda a more attractive destination than dominant outsourcing hubs like India and the Philippines.
The governmental strategy aims to eliminate barriers to entry, such as high connectivity costs that have previously discouraged foreign BPO investors.
By lowering these costs, Uganda aims to position itself as a cost-efficient alternative while maintaining quality service delivery. If successful, this approach could fast-track the country’s integration into the global BPO market.
