CapeBPO and the City of Cape Town have launched a new leadership development programme after the business process outsourcing sector created a record 11 496 jobs during 2025/26.
Cape Town’s reputation as one of the world’s fastest-growing business process outsourcing (BPO) destinations has received another boost with the launch of the CapeBPO Leadership Excellence Programme, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation of operational leaders for the rapidly expanding sector.
Funded by the City of Cape Town and administered by CapeBPO, the programme moves beyond entry-level skills development by investing in employees who have already demonstrated leadership potential within their organisations.
The pilot programme brings together high-potential team leaders from leading BPO companies across the Western Cape who have been identified as future managers capable of leading increasingly complex international operations.
Participants will complete a three-month development journey focusing on leadership, operational excellence, client management, performance metrics and people management through practical workshops, mentoring and real-world application.
Speaking at the launch, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said leadership development is becoming increasingly important as Cape Town continues attracting international investment into the BPO industry.
“The Leadership Excellence Programme addresses a critical part of strengthening Cape Town’s BPO value proposition. We are moving beyond entry-level skills development to investing in the next generation of industry leaders. By helping talented employees advance their careers, we are also giving international companies greater confidence to choose Cape Town as the location for their operations,” said Vos.
The announcement coincided with confirmation that the BPO sector created a record 11 496 new jobs during the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting the industry’s growing contribution to employment and economic development in the Western Cape.
Vos said many of the new employment opportunities are being created in communities where jobs are needed most, helping more residents gain access to sustainable careers in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing export industries.
CapeBPO Chief Executive Officer Clayton Williams said developing strong leaders is essential to ensuring the industry’s long-term competitiveness.
“The Leadership Excellence Programme is designed to equip senior staff with the practical skills, strategic mindset and confidence they need to take the next step in their careers. By strengthening our leadership pipeline, we’re creating opportunities for individuals while helping businesses build resilient, high-performing operations,” said Williams.
Each participant has been paired with an experienced industry mentor who will provide guidance throughout the programme while helping them prepare for future management responsibilities.
Alongside leadership development, the City continues investing in international investment promotion campaigns aimed at attracting more global companies to establish customer service, technical support and back-office operations in Cape Town.
As demand for outsourced business services continues growing worldwide, the City believes investing in leadership will enable local companies to manage increasingly sophisticated international contracts while creating additional employment opportunities for South Africans.
Residents interested in building careers within the contact centre industry can access information on training, employment opportunities and business pathways through CapeBPO’s programmes.
The latest initiative reinforces Cape Town’s strategy of combining investment attraction with skills development to ensure local talent remains at the centre of the city’s expanding digital economy.
