South Africa is establishing itself in the international outsourcing field as a preferred outsourcing destination, and is rapidly becoming a backup site for India, the world`s top outsourcing provider.
That`s the belief of Abdul Mohammed, IBM`s business development executive in the strategic outsourcing division. "Although some Eastern European countries may be able to provide cheaper outsourcing solutions, the value of the rand, the favourable time difference, and our proficiency in English are shifting a considerable amount of work to our shores," he says.
However, Mohammed points out that one of the major challenges facing SA lies in convincing Europe and America that the country can provide consistent quality. Another stumbling block is the lack of an adequate communication infrastructure.
"Government needs to develop a communication infrastructure that is affordable and advanced enough to provide local companies with a competitive-edge in the offshore outsourcing market," emphasises Mohammed.
"At this stage, our communication infrastructure is underdeveloped and comparatively expensive."
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