In an exciting development for Cape Town, global business process outsourcing (BPO) leader Teleperformance (TP) is expanding its operations by opening a new call centre, which will create 3 500 new call centre jobs.
This marks a significant step for the city’s growing BPO sector and strengthens its position as a leading destination for offshore customer service operations.
Teleperformance’s Commitment to Cape Town
Teleperformance, a global giant in customer service outsourcing, is already a key player in South Africa, with 6 000 employees across the country, 5 500 of whom are based in Cape Town. With the opening of its new call centre, TP plans to add 3 500 new call centre jobs to the local economy, further solidifying its commitment to the region.
Daniel Julien, the founder and CEO of Teleperformance, was in Cape Town this week to mark the official opening of the site. The company has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to grow its South African workforce to 10 000 employees by the end of 2026.
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Cape Town’s Role as a BPO Hub
Cape Town has become one of the top locations globally for outsourcing customer service, thanks to its highly skilled, multilingual workforce and the competitive cost of doing business.
Nearly 100 000 people are employed in Cape Town’s call centres, which contribute significantly to the local economy. In 2024, the BPO industry alone contributed R23 billion to Cape Town’s economy.
The city has long been recognized as a premier destination for international businesses looking to outsource their customer service operations. Teleperformance’s expansion is a strong indicator of the city’s ongoing growth as a BPO powerhouse and its ability to offer high-quality call centre jobs to a diverse pool of talent.
The Role of CapeBPO in Skills Development
One of the key reasons Cape Town has been so successful in attracting global BPO companies is the strong focus on skills development. Initiatives like CapeBPO (Cape Business Process Outsourcing) play a vital role in preparing a skilled workforce for the growing demand for call centre jobs.
CapeBPO runs programs like the Youth Skills and Employment Incubator, which provides young people with the necessary training for entry-level jobs in call centres and other BPO roles.
This program is supported by the City of Cape Town and the Department of Labour, ensuring a steady flow of trained workers to meet the increasing demand for call centre jobs in the city.
Economic Impact of the BPO Sector
The BPO sector plays a significant role in Cape Town’s economy. With the creation of 3 500 new call centre jobs, Teleperformance’s expansion will contribute further to the local economy, both through direct employment and the support of local businesses that provide services to the BPO industry.
Cape Town’s call centre industry already generates significant revenue, with a contribution of R23 billion to the local economy in 2024.
The new Teleperformance call centre will further boost this figure, creating more opportunities for local businesses and increasing the city’s international competitiveness in the global BPO market.
Why Cape Town?
Several factors make Cape Town an attractive destination for BPO companies:
- Skilled Workforce: Cape Town is home to a well-educated, multilingual workforce, ideal for companies looking for high-quality customer service agents and call centre jobs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The lower cost of living and doing business in Cape Town allows companies to maintain high-quality service standards while keeping costs down, making it an appealing location for call centre jobs.
- Government Support: The City of Cape Town, through initiatives like CapeBPO, provides essential support for businesses, from infrastructure development to skills training, making it easier for companies to operate and expand in the region.
The Future of Cape Town’s BPO Industry
Teleperformance’s expansion is just the latest example of the ongoing growth of Cape Town’s BPO sector. With a target of reaching 10 000 employees by the end of 2026, the company is well-positioned to continue its investment in the region.
As more global BPO companies look to Cape Town for their outsourcing needs, the city is poised to experience continued growth in the call centre sector. This will lead to more job creation, further boosting the local economy and solidifying Cape Town’s position as one of the top BPO destinations in the world.
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A Bright Future for Cape Town’s BPO Sector
Teleperformance’s decision to expand in Cape Town is a major milestone for the city and its BPO industry. The creation of 3 500 new call centre jobs is not just an economic win for the region but also an important step in Cape Town’s rise as a global leader in customer service outsourcing.
With ongoing government support, a skilled workforce, and a competitive cost structure, Cape Town is well-positioned to continue its success in the BPO industry for years to come, providing thousands of new call centre jobs in the process.
