Addis Ababa, Ethiopia —Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the strategic investment arm of the Government of Ethiopia, and CCI Global, Africa’s leading BPO operator, have signed an agreement to advance the development of Ethiopia’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and expand the country’s participation in the global digital services economy.
The agreement is linked to EIH’s development of a purpose-built BPO infrastructure project in Addis Ababa, which is designed to provide international-scale operators with modern, technology-enabled facilities and the infrastructure required to establish and expand BPO operations in Ethiopia.
The first phase of the project represents an investment of approximately USD 26 million and includes a G+4 BPO facility with an initial capacity of 3,000 seats. The facility is being designed to provide reliable infrastructure, high-speed connectivity, uninterrupted power supply and modern employee facilities, creating an environment that supports operational efficiency, workforce productivity and long-term scalability.
The project’s architectural design is being led by renowned Ethiopian architect Rahel Shawl, Founder and Principal of RAAS Architects, while construction will be undertaken by Elmi Olindo Contractors Plc.
CCI Global, which serves more than 80 international clients and employs more than 15,000 people across its operations, is expected to serve as the anchor operator for the development. The agreement will support CCI Global’s expansion in Ethiopia while strengthening the foundation for a scalable BPO ecosystem in the country.
Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, said:
“This agreement represents an important step in translating Ethiopia’s potential in the global BPO market into tangible investment, infrastructure and employment opportunities. At EIH, we are focused on unlocking the value of strategic assets and directing investment toward sectors that can generate foreign currency, create quality employment and strengthen Ethiopia’s position in global value chains. Our partnership with CCI Global demonstrates the potential to build a scalable BPO industry in Ethiopia and create a platform for further international investment.”
Mark Chana, Global Chief Operating Officer, CCI GLOBAL for his part said “Ethiopia offers exceptional talent and a government that understands the opportunity this sector represents. This lease reflects our continued commitment to the country, and we are excited about the partnership and what it will mean for our clients and for the people who will work here”
The partnership comes as global demand for outsourced business services continues to expand, with companies in North America, Europe and other developed markets seeking cost-efficient, scalable and geographically diversified service delivery platforms.
Ethiopia presents an emerging opportunity in the sector, supported by its young and educated workforce, competitive labour costs, English-language capabilities and strategic proximity to major markets in Europe and the Middle East.
The project is expected to create approximately 3,000 jobs initially, with potential employment reaching up to 10,000 jobs as operations expand and transition toward a three-shift model. It also has significant potential to generate foreign-currency earnings through the export of BPO services to international markets.
Beyond direct employment and foreign-currency generation, the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of Ethiopia’s digital economy, strengthen the local BPO talent pool, attract international operators and create opportunities for greater participation in global service value chains.
For EIH, the agreement reflects its broader investment approach of unlocking strategic assets, attracting international partners and directing capital toward sectors with the potential to generate employment, foreign currency and sustainable economic value.
The first phase of the development provides a foundation for future expansion, with subsequent phases envisaged to increase capacity, employment and investment as Ethiopia strengthens its position in the global BPO market.
About Ethiopian Investment Holdings
Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) was established under the Council of Ministers Regulation No 487/2022. EIH aims to contribute to sustainable economic development by professionally managing its funds and assets, optimizing their use in line with international best practices and corporate governance principles. As the strategic investment arm of the Ethiopian government, EIH strives to maximize value for the benefit of current and future generations.
Additionally, EIH seeks to attract foreign investment through a co investment platform, asset consolidation for monetization, and unlocking value from unutilized assets.