South Africa’s Offshoring Industry to Surge to $6.8 Billion by 2030, Creating Nearly 213,000 New Jobs

Offshoring is projected to generate up to $6.8 billion USD (roughly R120 billion at current exchange rates) for South Africa’s economy by 2030, according to new research released by global talent solutions partner Robert Walters.

The sector is also expected to create more than 212,000 skilled jobs over the next five years, as international companies increasingly establish operations in South Africa to access professional talent. 

This marks a 45% increase from today’s contribution, estimated at $4.4 billion USD (around R76 billion in current currency), and will see offshoring grow from 1.07% to 1.60% of South Africa’s GDP by the end of the decade. 

The forecast, produced by Robert Walters’ Market Intelligence team, reflects a significant shift in the global offshoring landscape. Once focused on cost-saving and volume, today’s strategies are centred around building capability, quality, and resilience by tapping into skilled international workforces. 

“The growth highlights how the offshoring sector is becoming deeply embedded in South Africa’s economic architecture,” comments Phill Brown, Head of Market Intelligence at Robert Walters. “Over the next five years, it has the potential to strengthen the country’s talent pipeline and support the development of specialised professional capabilities. This expansion will not only drive export-led growth but also enhance South Africa’s position as a trusted hub for high-value business services.” 

The findings follow recent research from Robert Walters showing that 60% of business leaders around the world ranked South Africa as the most attractive country for offshoring. 

Key factors driving this growth include South Africa’s strong English proficiency, close time zone alignment with Europe, and a growing reputation for high-quality business and technology services. This foundation has enabled the country to take on increasingly complex offshore functions, with demand strongest for professionals skilled in accounting, financial analysis, and auditing. 

“More companies are viewing offshoring not as a cost-cutting tactic but as a talent access strategy,” comments David Barr, CEO – Outsourcing at Robert Walters. “What sets South Africa apart is its ability to offer both scale and sophistication. It’s this balance that is driving South Africa’s growing role in powering business-critical functions for international organisations.”  

As businesses re-evaluate global workforce strategies, South Africa stands out for its skilled talent base, modern infrastructure, and alignment with international business practices. The trend is part of a broader evolution in global workforce strategy, where companies are increasingly decentralising high-value operations to locations with strong talent pools and supportive business environments.  

These findings are part of Robert Walters’ latest market intelligence on offshoring and global talent trends. Additional insights are available in the firm’s new offshoring guide, which examines talent strategies, recruitment management, and operational considerations in South Africa. 

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