Unveiling the Rwanda Global Business Services Growth Initiative

Situated in the heart of Africa, Rwanda is emerging as a beacon of progress on the continent – the country has experienced GDP growth above 8% in each year since 2021. A key element of this sustained growth has been the emergence of the Global Business Services (GBS) sector, including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO), and more.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Rwanda Global Business Services Growth Initiative (GBS GI), an industry association dedicated to harnessing Rwandan talent for global endeavors. Launched in September 2023 as a collaborative endeavor in partnership with GIZ Invest for Jobs and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, and working closely with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and Rwanda Development Board, this initiative serves as a catalyst for investment, policy advocacy, and talent development within the GBS industry.

Motivated by the aspiration to enhance collaboration among current stakeholders and attract new investments, the GBS GI embodies Rwanda’s dedication to cultivating an environment conducive to business growth. Renowned as one of Africa’s leading destinations for ease of doing business, Rwanda offers a strategic location in the region, political stability, and a strong commitment to innovation. For the GBS sector specifically, Rwanda presents a compelling opportunity due to the skilled and multilingual workforce, competitive operating costs, and supportive government policies and initiatives.

With 28 GBS companies currently employing nearly 3,000 people, Rwanda’s GBS sector offers a wealth of investment opportunities. Pioneered by industry stalwarts like Tek Experts and CCI Global, the sector’s growth trajectory is a testament to Rwanda’s burgeoning appeal in the global market. With a growing number of partners, collaborative efforts like the GBS GI will help accelerate the sector’s growth and propel Rwanda toward its aspiration of becoming a global hub for GBS operations.

Looking ahead, the GBS GI is poised to make its mark on the international stage at the Rwanda BPO & Tech Summit in Berlin this June. This pivotal event will showcase Rwanda’s exceptional talent pool, innovative solutions, and investment potential to a global audience. By fostering collaborative partnerships and investment ventures with German counterparts, the summit aims to bolster Rwanda–Germany relations while unlocking new avenues for growth and prosperity.

As Rwanda positions itself at the vanguard of the global business services arena, the GBS GI stands as a champion of innovation, opportunity, and progress, aiming to usher in a new era of increased prosperity for the nation and its people.