Africa can become a major global destination for back-office operations and outsourced services, according to Jodie Evans. Evans, an experience design and programming officer at the Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa (GCHRA), emphasized that this transformation requires significant investment. Governments, businesses, and educational institutions must collaborate to build the foundational infrastructure needed to develop a skilled workforce.
The continent's young and growing population presents a substantial opportunity for this economic shift. However, Africa needs to strengthen key areas to capitalize on rising global demand for talent. These critical areas include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, robust digital infrastructure, and comprehensive skills development programs. Without these foundational elements, Africa risks missing out on a significant global economic trend.
This potential economic growth aligns with Ghana's broader efforts to diversify its economy and create job opportunities for its youth. The focus on digital skills and infrastructure development is consistent with national strategies aimed at positioning Ghana as a technology hub in West Africa. Such initiatives are vital for sustainable long-term economic growth and reducing unemployment rates across the region.
“For me, it all comes down to grassroots and foundational infrastructure,” Evans stated on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 11. She noted that African countries could learn from the success of nations like India and the Philippines. These countries have successfully established themselves as leading destinations for outsourced business and back-office operations, attracting substantial foreign investment and creating numerous jobs.
Evans highlighted that building this essential infrastructure would position African countries to host large offices. These offices would support back-office operations for organizations in developed economies, bringing in foreign exchange and advanced technical skills. While governments have a crucial role, Evans stressed that the responsibility extends beyond public institutions, requiring a collective effort from various stakeholders.
“I think it’s now more than just one organisation. It’s around people coming together, pulling resources, and really thinking about the infrastructure for sustainable long-term growth,” she explained. This collaborative approach is vital for creating an ecosystem that supports continuous skill development and technological advancement, ensuring the continent remains competitive.
Technology can also significantly reduce the cost of developing the necessary infrastructure to support Africa's workforce. “With the use of technology, it doesn’t also have to be an expensive investment. A lot of this can be done virtually,” Evans added. This means that even with limited budgets, strategic technological adoption can bridge gaps in infrastructure and training.
Evans called for enhanced collaboration among organizations with expertise in workforce development and other stakeholders. This partnership is essential for establishing sustainable systems for skills development across the continent. Such systems are critical for ensuring that Africa's demographic advantage translates into tangible economic benefits and global competitiveness.
Her comments precede the 2026 GCHRA conference, scheduled from August 12 to 15 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra. The conference theme, “Leading the Transformation: HR as a Catalyst for Organizational Success and Global Impact,” underscores the importance of human resources in driving economic change. Evans emphasized that Africa must act collectively to ensure its demographic dividend leads to sustainable economic growth, making investment in foundational skills and infrastructure paramount.