South Africa’s global business services sector set for rapid growth in 2025

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Despite global economic challenges, South Africa’s global business services (GBS) sector is on track for significant growth in the coming year.
According to the industry body Business Processing Enabling South Africa (BPESA), the sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and a key driver of job creation and foreign investment.
The GBS sector, also known as business process outsourcing (BPO), has been identified as a vital component in overcoming South Africa’s unemployment crisis. With an ambitious target of creating 500,000 new jobs by 2030, industry leaders see it as a “green shoot” for economic recovery.
Foreign direct investment fuels growth
Gauteng, a province that plays a central role in this growth, attracted over ZAR 617 million (US$34.9 million) in targeted foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2015 and 2022.
Saki Zamxaka, acting CEO at the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), emphasized that this investment is crucial for creating new opportunities in established sectors while uplifting historically disadvantaged communities.
“In 2023, the GGDA played a vital facilitation role for companies like Merchants, Redial, Dash, and Foursquare,” said Zamxaka. “By working together, government and industry can unlock Gauteng’s potential as a premier offshore destination.”
GBS sector key to tackling unemployment
The GBS sector is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing South Africa’s high unemployment rate.
BPESA CEO Reshni Singh noted that South Africa’s position as the third most attractive offshoring destination globally offers a unique opportunity to drive African business onto the world stage while creating local jobs.
“A tough global economy has a positive spinoff for our local economy,” Singh said. “We have an incredible opportunity to create boundless opportunities for our market.”
Youth employment gains momentum in GBS sector
One of the key successes of South Africa’s GBS sector is its focus on youth employment. According to Tracey Swart from Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, many young South Africans have found jobs in this sector due to its emphasis on supporting previously excluded groups.
“Our focus on supporting young people has meant that many young South Africans are now employed in the sector,” Swart stated.