Outsourcing in Africa: How do the interactions between providers, multinationals, and the state lead to the evolution of the BPO industry?

Marcus M. Larsen (), Ben Mkalama () and Michael J. Mol ()
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Marcus M. Larsen: Copenhagen Business School
Ben Mkalama: University of Nairobi
Michael J. Mol: Copenhagen Business School

Journal of International Business Policy, 2023, vol. 6, issue 4, No 3, 432-452

Abstract: Abstract We explore the evolution of Africa’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. In so doing, we seek to derive policy and managerial implications on how African suppliers can grow and become more attractive to foreign multinational corporations (MNCs). We discuss insights from the literature on (BPO) clusters and how these evolve. Our conceptual arguments are supported by a case study of the evolution of the Kenyan BPO cluster through three broad stages: embryonic, early, and developmental. We argue that this evolution has been hampered by factors including the small and sometimes informal nature of local suppliers, the reluctance of foreign multinationals to make long-term commitments, and the intermittent devotion by the Kenyan government to supporting BPO clusters. Accordingly, we suggest direct and indirect policy initiatives to grow the industry toward a more mature stage, increase knowledge spillovers and formalization levels, and improve working conditions.

Keywords: outsourcing; Africa; multinational corporations; providers; government (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1057/s42214-023-00166-z

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