Africa, the world’s second-largest and most populous continent, is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and economic landscapes. As of 2024, it had a population of around 1.48 billion people scattered across its huge territory.24 of its 54 countries have accepted English as their official language, facilitating international collaboration and economic progress.
This linguistic commonality facilitates communication and economic transactions with English-speaking countries, making Africa a more appealing option for outsourcing and talent acquisition.
Africa’s outsourcing business, in particular, is expanding rapidly, thanks to a huge, educated workforce, low labor rates, and supporting government regulations. Many countries are developing as major players in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, providing a wide range of services from customer assistance to software development. The adoption of English as an official language in these countries has had a significant impact on their ability to recruit foreign clients and promote economic development.
1. Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and a growing outsourcing hub, with a projected population of 229,152,217 in 2024. The nation’s enormous pool of English-speaking graduates entering the workforce each year provides a perfect opportunity for firms looking for cost-effective solutions. The Nigerian government’s National Outsourcing Strategy seeks to establish the country as a preferred destination for global clients.
2. Tanzania
Tanzania, with a population of 69,419,073, recognizes Swahili and English as official languages. English is widely spoken in government and higher education, making it an important part of the country’s linguistic environment. This bilingual strategy has resulted in a distinct cultural and educational environment that appeals to multinational firms.
3. South Africa
South Africa’s strategy focus on being a premier BPO location is yielding results, with a population of 61,020,221 in 2024. The country’s native English speakers, convenient time zone, and solid broadband infrastructure make it an appealing destination for businesses looking for dependable and cost-effective outsourcing services.
4. Kenya
Kenya, with a population of 56,203,030, leads Africa’s BPO business. The country’s educated people and developing infrastructure have enabled it to provide a wide range of outsourced services, including HR solutions and market analytics. Companies such as Corporate Staffing Services and Techno Brain are setting the bar for BPO excellence in Kenya.
5. Uganda
With a population of 49,924,252, Uganda is noted for its linguistic diversity, with English serving as the official language. Uganda’s multilingualism, paired with its educated population, puts it as a prospective player in the outsourcing business.
6. Ghana
Ghana, with a population of 34,777,522, is making waves in the BPO industry. The country’s favorable regulatory environment, government support, and educated English-speaking workforce have drawn companies such as Trinity Software Center and ACS Ghana, making it a popular destination for tech outsourcing in West Africa.
7. Cameroon
Cameroon, with a population of 29,394,433, has the challenges of being a bilingual country having both French and English as official languages. Despite some problems, outsourcing services are increasing popularity, with a significant increase in the number of software engineers in recent years.
