City, CapeBPO launch leadership programme as BPO sector creates record number of jobs
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, together with CapeBPO, has officially launched the Leadership Excellence Programme. At the launch, Alderman Vos also announced that a record 11 496 jobs were created in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector during the 2025/26 financial year.
Cape Town’s position as a leading global BPO destination has taken another step forward with the launch of the CapeBPO Leadership Excellence Programme, funded by the City of Cape Town.
Administered by CapeBPO, the City’s Special Purpose Vehicle for the BPO sector, the programme is designed to strengthen the industry’s leadership pipeline. The pilot group consists of high-potential team leaders who have been identified by their organisations as future operational leaders. The programme is designed to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to successfully advance to manager-level roles and lead high-performing teams.
‘The Leadership Excellence Programme addresses a critical part of strengthening Cape Town’s BPO value proposition. We are moving beyond entry-level skills development to investing in the next generation of industry leaders. By helping talented employees advance their careers, we are also giving international companies greater confidence to choose Cape Town as the location for their operations,’ said Alderman Vos.
CapeBPO CEO Clayton Williams said leadership is one of the most important drivers of sustainable growth in the industry.
‘The Leadership Excellence Programme is designed to equip senior staff with the practical skills, strategic mindset and confidence they need to take the next step in their careers. By strengthening our leadership pipeline, we’re creating opportunities for individuals while helping businesses build resilient, high-performing operations,’ said Williams.
The three-month pilot programme brings together team leaders from leading BPO operators across the Western Cape and focuses on leading self, leading teams, leading metrics and leading clients through a combination of workshops, mentoring and practical application.
Participating companies have already nominated employees for the initiative who have been paired with experienced mentors who will guide and support them.
‘This initiative once again demonstrates the City’s commitment to creating real economic opportunities for Capetonians. Through our continued investment in CapeBPO and its programmes, the industry created a record 11 496 jobs during the previous financial year. I am particularly encouraged that many of these opportunities are being created in communities where employment is needed most,’ said Alderman Vos.
Alongside investment in local skills development, the City continues to support international investment promotion campaigns aimed at attracting more companies to establish operations in Cape Town.
‘The sector’s continued growth and success in attracting international investment make leadership development increasingly important.
‘As our sector continues to attract international investment, we must ensure our talent grows alongside our industry. Developing exceptional leaders today will enable us to manage more complex global operations, deliver greater value to our clients, and unlock even more employment opportunities for the people of Cape Town and the Western Cape. This is how we build a globally competitive industry for the future,’ said Williams.
Residents interested in pursuing opportunities in the contact centre industry can connect with CapeBPO via their website for information on training, employment or business pathways.
