Leading authority on global digital services, Nearshore Americas, has ranked Guyana in the top 10 Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) value destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean for 2024.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s unwavering commitment to advancing Guyana’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector began to take shape with the implementation of fiscal incentives and various forms of support such as skills development in the labor force. This dedication was further highlighted in 2022 when the Guyana Office for Investment held the first stakeholder meeting with the various BPO operators in Guyana.
The mission was clear, to magnify Guyana’s profile as a premier Nearshore BPO destination and create 10,000 jobs in the sector by 2025. This target was backed by strategic government initiatives, including the introduction of coding and ICT skills training from grade school through secondary school, ensuring a future-ready workforce.
Recognizing the opportunities for employment in this sector, the government’s dedication was evident in the substantial investments and supportive policies that have propelled this sector forward. More than $2 billion has been invested in constructing readymade call center shells, strategically located across the country in regions such as Region Two, Region Five, Region Six, Tuschen, Enmore, and Linden. This infrastructural development is complemented by extensive training programs for new recruits and a focused effort on enhancing ICT literacy.
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh has repeatedly said, “As a government, we would like to see the BPO sector continue to grow as it will allow for the creation of jobs and the generation of income”. This is demonstrated in all of his national budget presentations.
Guyana’s natural advantages also make it an ideal BPO destination. Its proximity to North America and a strong English-speaking population provides a strategic edge. Furthermore, the country’s young, analytical population is a significant asset, bringing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to BPO startups.
Nearshore Americas has stated in its release that “Guyana already had a strong value proposition for BPO.” But given the country’s recent fortunes and major sectoral investments, the market analyst said it sends a clear message: “much more will happen in the following years.”
