Eastern Cape pushes for more call centre jobs as MEC visits Gqeberha GBS hubs

The Eastern Cape government is intensifying efforts to grow the province’s Global Business Services (GBS) sector, with Economic Development MEC Nonkqubela Pieters leading outreach visits to major business process outsourcing operations in Gqeberha this week.

The visits formed part of the MEC GBS Outreach and Roundtable programme, which included stops at the Coega BPO Park, Discovery, Startek, Teleperformance at the Greenacres Office Park, and Outworx in South End.

According to the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), discussions focused on attracting more investment into the sector, strengthening partnerships with private companies, and creating a clearer plan to expand youth employment opportunities in the province.

The GBS industry includes call centres, customer support operations, back-office administration, and digital support services that often employ large numbers of young people.

Provincial officials believe the Eastern Cape could position itself as South Africa’s next major GBS hub if infrastructure, skills development, and investor support improve.

The ECDC said the engagements also explored gaps in infrastructure and training, while encouraging local business leaders to co-invest in the sector’s growth.

This matters for many Eastern Cape communities where youth unemployment remains critically high. Government and industry leaders say the sector has the potential to create jobs for young people, women, and people living with disabilities.

The province is looking to replicate growth seen in provinces such as the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where thousands of jobs have reportedly been created through contact centres and digital business services.

However, no new job numbers or investment commitments were announced during the visits. This has not been confirmed.

The discussions are expected to continue during the upcoming digital economy summit at the East London Industrial Development Zone from 7 to 8 May, where business leaders and government officials will further discuss the future of digital jobs in the province.

For many young people in the Eastern Cape searching for work opportunities, the expansion of the GBS sector could become one of the province’s most important employment growth areas over the next few years.

Readers can expect further updates as government and industry stakeholders outline possible projects, training programmes, and investment plans linked to the sector.