Onome Amuge
South Africa’s offshoring industry is on track to generate nearly $7bn for the economy by the end of the decade, cementing the country’s role as a global hub for high-value business services, according to new research from recruitment group Robert Walters.
The sector is forecast to contribute $6.8bn to GDP by 2030, up 45 per cent from its current $4.4bn , while creating more than 212,000 skilled jobs over the next five years. If realised, the gains would see offshoring’s share of South Africa’s economy rise from 1.07 per cent to 1.6 per cent.
The findings highlight how the industry, once dominated by low-cost call centres, is evolving into a platform for advanced professional services. Demand is strongest for skills in accounting, financial analysis and auditing, as companies look beyond cost-cutting to secure talent pipelines and resilience.
“The growth highlights how the offshoring sector is becoming deeply embedded in South Africa’s economic architecture,” said Phill Brown, head of market intelligence at Robert Walters. “This expansion will not only drive export-led growth but also enhance South Africa’s position as a trusted hub for high-value business services,” he added.
The country ranked top globally in attractiveness for offshoring in a separate survey of international business leaders, driven by strong English proficiency, time zone alignment with Europe and a growing reputation for quality in business and technology services.
David Barr, Robert Walters’ chief executive for outsourcing, said South Africa offered both scale and sophistication for firms rethinking their global workforce strategies. “What sets South Africa apart is its ability to offer both scale and sophistication. It’s this balance that is driving its growing role in powering business-critical functions for international organisations,” he said.
The report comes as multinationals decentralise operations to strengthen resilience in supply chains and tap into wider talent pools, amid tight labour markets in developed economies. Analysts say the shift could help South Africa, which struggles with high unemployment, particularly among younger workers, while diversifying its export base beyond commodities.
Robert Walters’ latest offshoring guide also outlines recruitment management practices and operational considerations for businesses investing in South Africa, which it says has modern infrastructure and alignment with international business practices that support further growth in the sector.
