Ethiopia Bets $26m on BPO Infrastructure to Enter Global Outsourcing Market

November 14, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Ethiopia is investing 26 million US dollars in a purpose-built business process outsourcing (BPO) facility in Addis Ababa, seeking to attract international service operators and establish a foothold in the global digital services market.

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the government's strategic investment arm, has signed an agreement with CCI Global, an African outsourcing operator, to advance the development of the country's BPO industry, with the company expected to become the anchor operator of the facility.

The first phase will comprise a G+4 building with capacity for 3,000 workstations. The project is designed to accommodate international-scale operations, with high-speed connectivity, uninterrupted power supply and modern employee facilities.

The development is expected to create 3,000 jobs initially, with employment potentially rising to 10,000 as operations expand and the facility moves towards a three-shift working model.

The initiative reflects an attempt to position business services exports as a potential source of foreign-currency earnings and employment, beyond the country's traditional reliance on merchandise exports. BPO operators provide outsourced services such as customer support and other business functions to companies operating in foreign markets.

CCI Global, which serves more than 80 international clients and employs over 15,000 people across its operations, is expected to use the partnership to expand its Ethiopian presence. Its participation could also provide a platform for attracting other international operators to the planned development.

Dr Brook Taye, EIH's chief executive, said the agreement was intended to translate Ethiopia's potential in the global BPO market into investment, infrastructure and employment. He said the state-owned investment holding company was targeting sectors capable of generating foreign currency and strengthening the country's participation in global value chains.

Mark Chana, CCI Global's global chief operating officer, said Ethiopia offered a strong talent base and a government that recognised the sector's potential. He described the lease as part of the company's continued commitment to the country.

The project comes as companies in North America and Europe seek cost-efficient and geographically diversified locations for outsourced services. Ethiopia is seeking to capitalise on its young workforce, competitive labour costs, English-language capabilities and proximity to European and Middle Eastern markets.

The first phase will be designed by Ethiopian architect Rahel Shawl, founder and principal of RAAS Architects, while Elmi Olindo Contractors Plc will undertake construction.

Source: FSX Business News