At the award ceremony for the training graduates, Ugandan Information Communications and Technology Minister Aggrey Awori noted that in Indian BPO market generates revenue of US$30 billion per year, but that rising costs means it is becoming a less cost-effective option for basic outsourcing services. Management costs are approaching U.S. levels, with employee salaries increasing at 10 percent to 15 percent per year, and it is becoming difficult to attract and retain talent, Awori said. This is a justification for countries like Uganda to join the BPO industry, he said.

Uganda's BPO program, launched in January, calls for the establishment of call centers across the country that will employ more than 3,000 youths, Awori said. Under the initiative, young Ugandans will be in position to work for local and multinational firms and organizations online. The first two call centers, which will be operational by July, will be established in Kampala, the capital. The jobs are expected to grow from 3,000 to over 7,000 by the end of next year.

BPO initiatives are under way across the continent. Late last year, for example, Bharti Airtel announced a partnership with U.S. technology giant IBM, Tech Mahindra and Spanco as partners to drive BPO services across the continent.