A catalyst at the heart of Durban’s thriving Global Business Services sector, BPESA KZN is focused on technological innovation, fostering inclusive growth and collaborative partnerships

In the vast tapestry of South Africa’s economic landscape, one thread stands out prominently – the Global Business Services (GBS) sector. At the heart of this dynamic industry lies BPESA (Business Process Enabling South Africa), the recognised industry body and trade association dedicated to its advancement and sustenance. Established as a not-for-profit entity, BPESA serves as a beacon for stakeholders engaged in shaping the trajectory of the GBS sector, traversing myriad sectors of the economy.

BPESA’s reason for being is clear: to promote trade and champion the interests of all stakeholders – be it international captive and outsourcing operators, domestic counterparts, service vendors, or the clients serviced from South Africa’s shores. Through collaborative efforts with governmental bodies at all levels and various non-profit organisations, BPESA strives to nurture an environment conducive to the growth and development of the GBS sector, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic prosperity.

Spearheading initiatives

Within this multifaceted ecosystem, Durban Calling, operating under the banner of BPESA KZN, emerges as a pivotal player, spearheading initiatives tailored to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. Serving as both a specialist investment promotion agency and a national trade association, BPESA KZN is deeply committed to catalysing job creation, fostering skills development, and driving economic growth within the GBS industry. Anchored by a diverse board representing a spectrum of credible industry stakeholders, BPESA KZN’s vision resonates harmoniously with the broader objectives of the South African government – be it transformation, job creation, or economic empowerment.

At the heart of BPESA KZN’s mission lies a strategic partnership approach, epitomised by collaborations with entities such as the eThekwini Municipality, Invest Durban, and Trade and Investment KZN. 

Chief Executive of Invest Durban, Russell Curtis, had this to say on the progress the region is making. “As Invest Durban, we are very proud to have been one of the partners empowering this industry for investment in Durban over the last 23 years, and together with incredible industry leadership in our city and country combined with fantastic government support. The BPO sector is now under the shining stars of South Africa and Durban in particular, we will continue to do everything within our power to help grow this industry even further as it providing much needed investment, new revenues and thousands of new jobs in key-targeted segments of our population. We congratulate all those in a public sector and private sector for all of the support past, present and future.”

Through these alliances, BPESA KZN endeavours to position Durban and the broader KZN region as premier destinations for GBS investment. By attracting both domestic enterprises and foreign investors, BPESA KZN seeks to unlock substantial economic dividends, particularly through the creation of employment opportunities for the region’s burgeoning youth population.

Central to BPESA KZN’s agenda are twin pillars: transformation and skills development. Recognising the pivotal role of a skilled workforce in driving industry growth, BPESA KZN spearheads standardised training initiatives aimed at equipping individuals with the requisite competencies. By aligning skills development with national accreditation standards and organising knowledge-sharing forums, BPESA KZN seek to stay abreast of industry trends while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Moreover, BPESA KZN remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering transformation within the GBS sector, particularly in enhancing Black African ownership and entrepreneurship. Through targeted initiatives, BPESA KZN aims to create an inclusive industry landscape that embraces diversity and promotes equitable access to opportunities across all strata of society.

In its capacity as an advocate for Durban as a preferred GBS destination, BPESA KZN collaborates on targeted marketing campaigns aimed at showcasing the city’s unique value proposition to international and domestic stakeholders. These efforts play a pivotal role in enhancing South Africa’s reputation as a favoured offshore CX delivery destination, bolstered by factors such as cost competitiveness, skilled labour, and a conducive regulatory environment.

Creating sustainable job opportunities

Amidst these endeavours, BPESA remains at the forefront of championing Impact Sourcing –a practice that deliberately recruits talent from marginalised communities. Through partnerships with organisations such as the Rockefeller Foundation, BPESA sets out to create sustainable job opportunities and measure the societal impact of such initiatives, thus contributing significantly to South Africa’s GBS market.

As South Africa’s GBS sector continues its upward trajectory, BPESA and BPESA KZN’s efforts underscore their pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and job creation. By addressing key challenges, fostering transformation, and leveraging the country’s competitive advantages, these organisations serve as catalysts for positive change within the industry.

Looking ahead, the focus remains on fostering inclusive growth, technological innovation, and collaborative partnerships to propel the GBS sector to new heights. With a shared vision and unwavering commitment, BPESA and its partners are poised to chart a path of prosperity for South Africa’s GBS industry, thereby unlocking its full potential and driving socio-economic development across the nation.

Further information
bpesa.org.za