Govt launches BPO policy to create 150,000 jobs by 2030

Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has launched a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) policy, aimed at creating jobs and tapping into the global BPO market. The policy seeks to develop Uganda's BPO sector, create job opportunities for young people, and make Uganda a top outsourcing destination in Africa.

According to Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, "It's important to translate this policy into real action by finding jobs for our young people."

He on Monday, February 24, 2025, explained that BPO allows companies to hire Ugandans to do tasks for their businesses abroad, highlighting the potential for job creation.

"BPO allows companies to hire someone in Uganda to do tasks for their business abroad, like having a local auditor work for a firm in Canada," Baryomunsi said. "This policy is designed to develop Uganda's BPO sector and create job opportunities for young people. We want to make Uganda a top outsourcing destination in Africa by using the talent of our workforce."

The BPO industry is worth over $250 billion globally and is expected to grow beyond $500 billion by 2030. Uganda's local BPO market is currently valued at $3 million, but the government aims to increase this value by creating a supportive environment, including affordable internet access and devices.

Permanent Secretary Aminah Zawedde emphasized the need for improved digital infrastructure, calling on private companies to set up more data centers. "We are working on improving digital infrastructure, which is essential for the BPO sector's growth," she said. "We need more data centers, and we are calling on private companies to help us achieve this."

Dr Rebecca Isabella Kiconco, Vice Chairperson of the BPO Council, stressed the importance of strong marketing and partnerships to unlock the sector's full potential. "We need to be visible. Uganda has what it takes to compete globally, but people don't know about us. We have to promote ourselves to get noticed!" she said.

She also emphasised the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia to develop the skills required for the BPO industry.

"We need to work together to develop the skills required for this industry. We need to train our young people in areas such as data analysis, customer service, and IT," she said.

The government aims to create over 150,000 BPO jobs by 2030, and with the African Union predicting that 60 per cent of the marketplace will be digital by 2030, Uganda is poised to become a leader in the BPO industry.