Kenya earns $500m from Global Business Services as sector grows

Kenya is making significant strides in the Global Business Services (GBS) market, with projections indicating that the country could earn over $254 million by 2024. The sector is witnessing rapid growth thanks to a young and skilled workforce, strong English proficiency, and government investments in infrastructure and support for business process outsourcing (BPO). According to Everlyne Njiri, a Sama Partnerships Lead, Kenya's emergence as an attractive destination for digital skills has been a key driver of this growth. With the GBS sector expected to reach $1 trillion in 2023, Africa's share standing at just 2%, there is a vast opportunity for Kenya to capitalize on the AI revolution. The country has been proactive in investing in its BPO capabilities and creating an enabling regulatory environment to attract more businesses. By expanding local startups and fostering innovation in areas like generative AI, Kenya aims to sustain its growth momentum and stay competitive amid global competition. Additionally, developments in digital skills building, machine learning, big data annotation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity will be crucial for the country to leverage the full potential of the GBS sector. Generative AI holds immense promise for various industries in Kenya, including agriculture and transportation, where AI models can enhance sustainability and increase yields. To support these advancements, improving broadband access, particularly in rural areas, will be essential to ensure widespread participation in Kenya's growing digital economy.