The government of Uganda has stepped up its drive into the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry unveiling a national policy that aims to generate 150,000 jobs by 2030 and position the country as a preferred outsourcing hub in East Africa.
The policy was launched by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, outlines a roadmap for tapping into the growing global demand for outsourced services including customer support, data entry, financial technology, back office processing, health information management and software support services.
Officials say Uganda holds a competitive edge due to its youthful population, widespread use of English, favourable time zone for Western markets and steadily improving digital infrastructure.
“The global outsourcing industry presents massive opportunities for employment and economic growth. Uganda must be deliberate in preparing young people with the right skills to compete in this market,” a senior ICT ministry official said during the policy rollout.
under the new framework, government will prioritise, Strengthening ICT training with a focus on industry-relevant skills, expanding broadband connectivity and addressing coverage gaps, marketing Uganda as a BPO investment destination, creating incentives to attract multinational outsourcing firms and supporting local companies to meet global compliance and service standards
Industry players have welcomed the initiative, noting that global outsourcing demand is surging, with African countries increasingly capturing a share of international contracts.
The BPO policy signals Uganda’s intent to move beyond traditional employment sectors and plug into the global digital services economy a strategy already accelerating job creation in countries like Kenya, South Africa, the Philippines and India.
If successful government projections indicate that the industry could contribute significantly to national service exports, create new work pathways for youth and attract long term foreign investment.
For thousands of young Ugandans searching for digital opportunities, the policy offers a glimpse into a future where employment is no longer limited by geography, but by skills and connectivity.