South Africa launches GBS skills strategy for 2025–2030
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa has launched its Global Business Services (GBS) Skills Strategy 2025–2030, a national roadmap designed to build a future-ready, globally competitive workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the international outsourcing sector, according to a report from BPESA.
Launched at the National GBS Conference in Durban, the initiative aims to accelerate skills development, enhance work-readiness, expand job access for unemployed youth, and equip the workforce for AI-augmented roles in a tech-driven environment.
Driving inclusive and future-ready talent
The strategy, developed by Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), the industry body for South Africa’s GBS sector, in collaboration with international BPO operators, training providers, government, and social partners, is rooted in demand-led skilling, inclusive hiring, and digital transformation.
Its implementation roadmap focuses on scaling demand-driven learning, expanding impact-sourcing pathways for youth, women, and people living with disabilities, and strengthening AI and digital capabilities.
“By aligning BPO employers, training [organizations], government, funders and stakeholders around a single skills agenda, we create a talent pipeline that is agile, inclusive, future-ready, and capable of delivering exceptional global services from South Africa,” said Keith Rosmarin, BPESA Skills Portfolio Lead and strategy programme manager, emphasizing the collective effort that needed to succeed.
Anchored around 12 strategic focus areas, the initiative addresses youth employment, curriculum reform, leadership development, professional pathways, and the emergence of new job families shaped by AI and digital transformation.
BPESA will oversee execution through a dedicated Project Management Office and a GBS Skills Committee, ensuring strong governance, monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks to track progress and guide continuous adaptation toward 2030.
Collaboration, funding, and skill intelligence
Industry leaders emphasized the need for streamlined funding and coordinated skills development. Andy Searle highlighted that efficient funding, demand-driven training, and inclusive hiring are key levers for sustained growth, innovation, and job creation.
Similarly, Mark Angus, CEO of Genesis Global Business Services, urged the adoption of transparent, scalable, and inclusive funding to support the strategy’s implementation and drive sector growth.
Experts also noted the value of agile, modular training models that are globally recognized. Judy Robison of Forvis Mazars Institute of Development highlighted initiatives like The Collective X, which provide mentorship and certification opportunities for young talent.
Adam Walker from Concentrix further emphasized the importance of preparing the workforce at all levels for AI-augmented roles to enhance efficiency and revenue gains.
From an industry perspective, the strategy signals South Africa’s commitment to remaining a leading offshoring destination. By integrating inclusive hiring, digital transformation, and future-focused skill development, the country positions itself not only to meet global demand but also to set a benchmark in sustainable, impact-driven workforce development for the GBS sector.
