South Africa's Global Business Services Sector boomed in 2024, creating thousands of jobs for local youth

Johannesburg, 14 May 2025 - South Africa’s Global Business Services (GBS) sector continues to surge, delivering significant job growth and boosting the country’s export revenue. According to the latest BPESA GBS Sector Job Creation Report, the industry added 6,290 net new international jobs in the third quarter of the financial year 2024 (October to December) and contributed US$101 million (approx. R1,8 billion) in export revenue, reinforcing its role as a powerhouse for economic and social transformation. 

• Q3 2024 - 6,290 net new international jobs; US$101 million export revenue
• Jan -Dec 24 - 20,518 net new international jobs; US$ 328 million export revenue
• Youth jobs accounted for 92% of new hires in Q3; 90% for the full year

A key driver of this growth is Impact Sourcing, an initiative that actively recruits individuals from marginalised communities, offering life-changing employment to young South Africans from low-income backgrounds. These inclusive hires made up an impressive 42,8% of new jobs created for the quarter, helping individuals to secure stable careers while proudly representing South Africa’s talent on the global stage. 

Youth employment remains the backbone of the sector, with 92% of new hires (aged between 18 and 34 years of age) logged for the quarter. Most positions—71% —were frontline, voice-based contact centre roles, addressing global demand in sectors such as utilities & energy (30.54%), retail & eCommerce (18.30%), and telecoms (13.73%). The United Kingdom remained the largest market for outsourced services during Q3, accounting for 48% of new jobs, with the USA contributing 32% of new hires.   

Beyond job creation, the sector is prioritising skills development, with 26,876 workers trained between October and December 2024. BPESA, the national industry body for the GBS sector -, is spearheading initiatives to reskill and upskill employees through career awareness programmes, leadership bootcamps, and work-seeker support services, ensuring South African workers remain globally competitive. 

The broader economic impact of the sector is remarkable—between January and December 2024, the GBS industry created 20,518 jobs, contributing $328 million (approx. R6 billion) in export revenue. With the sector growing three-fold in just five years, South Africa is now firmly positioned among global offshore service leaders. 

BPESA CEO Reshni Singh hailed the sector’s resilience and positive trajectory: 

"The continued growth and job creation are a testament to our industry’s commitment to building careers for South Africans, especially our youth and those from marginalised communities. We are encouraged by ongoing discussions with the dtic regarding a revised incentives package for the industry and remain confident that with the right level of support the sector will drive further economic upliftment while showcasing South Africa’s distinctive flair in servicing international customers.”

With strong government and private sector support, favourable business conditions, and a skilled, empathetic workforce, South Africa’s GBS industry is proving its mettle on the global stage—ensuring the country remains a preferred destination for outsourced services worldwide. 

To access the full report, click here

Issued by Aprio on behalf of BPESA. For more information please contact: 

BPESA: Nazley Salie:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Mobile: +27 66 336 6483

Aprio - Cecilia Pinto-Taylor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mobile:+2783 325 9169

About the BPESA GBS Sector Job Creation Report The quarterly GBS Sector Job Creation Report, commissioned by BPESA, reviews international jobs and export services including growth in the GBS sector across provinces, vertical industries, youth jobs, inclusive hires and key global source markets. The latest report covers the third quarter of the financial year (October to December 2024).

About Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA)

Recognised as the national industry body for the GBS sector, the purpose of BPESA, a non-profit entity, is to promote trade and serve the interests of its members and numerous stakeholder groups involved in the development, growth, and sustainability of the Global Business Services (GBS) sector in South Africa.

BPESA is committed to fostering an environment conducive to the growth and success of the GBS sector, ensuring its members and stakeholders benefit from a thriving and sustainable industry. Website: www.bpesa.org.za

About the Global Business Services (GBS) Masterplan

Officially launched in 2022, the Global Business Services (GBS) Masterplan is a detailed blueprint and country strategy to create 500,000 cumulative international-servicing jobs in the sector by 2030. The masterplan was commissioned by South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and its national investment promotion agency, InvestSA, with BPESA (Business Process Enabling South Africa), Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and other stakeholders as signatories.