Wed, 22 Oct 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 How the outsourcing sector became South Africa's newest goldmine

South African firms that do remote work for North American and European businesses growing strongly.
South Africa's outsourced services industry has created a lucrative career path for Esethu Dywili, who has earned enough money to build a new house for his family in the Eastern Cape province. Dywili, 31, works as an accountant and credits the high salaries offered by outsourced services companies based in South Africa for his financial success. These companies often work with big firms in Europe and North America, offering services such as auditing and finance. The industry has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by factors such as cost-cutting and a lack of available staff in sectors like accountancy in the UK. Dywili's story is not unique; many South Africans have found employment in the outsourced services sector, which now contributes 35 billion rand ($2 billion) to the country's economy per year. The Western Cape government has been a key supporter of the industry, offering subsidised training programs and financial incentives to attract more companies. Simon Wheeler, a Durban-based chartered accountant, says that South Africans are well-suited to working in the outsourced services sector due to their strong work ethic and energy. He adds that the country's time difference with Europe and North America is also an advantage. However, not everyone is optimistic about the industry's growth. Jee-A van der Linde, a Cape Town-based senior economist, warns that South Africa's education system may struggle to keep pace with the outsourcing industry's expansion. He also notes that opportunities in the sector are often concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities behind. Despite these challenges, the outsourced services sector is creating new job opportunities and career paths for young people in South Africa. Dywili says that the industry provides a sense of optimism and hope for those who have felt demoralized by limited opportunities in the past. UK companies such as Cooper Parry and Ventrica are already investing in the sector, with some predicting that the outsourcing industry will soon peak out in South Africa and move to other countries in Africa. However, for now, the outsourced services industry remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
  >>