The British International Investment-anchored fund, Growth Investment Partners Ghana (GIP), has made its first investment in the Ghanaian Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company E-Services Africa Limited (eSAL). The investment will support eSAL’s growth and its global delivery of cost-effective, high-quality outsourcing solutions for businesses.
The investment will provide capital for eSAL to purchase new infrastructure and relocate to a larger facility in Accra to maximise its delivery capacity and serve an increasingly global client base.
The BPO industry is transforming significantly, fueled by the increasing demand for cost-effective and scalable third-party administration and customer service solutions. Leveraging Ghana’s competitive advantage from its time zone—the same as many European countries—a young and vibrant English-speaking population, and a stable political environment – the country is a front-runner as the BPO industry signals a seismic shift from Asia to Africa.
Through eSAL’s Work Readiness Program, the company also improves employment opportunities among young Ghanaians. It plans to train over 8,000 professionals in Ghana over the next five years, creating inclusive access to economic opportunities, new skills, and jobs.
GIP provides long-term, flexible capital in local currency to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It employs a royalty financing model that involves flexible repayments linked to revenue and cash flows, which insulates the borrowers from risk in return for higher payments when business performance is strong. It invests between $500k to $5m in SMEs to address a critical gap in accessing finance for SMEs
Commenting on the milestone, Kojo Afedzi Hayford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, eSAL said, “As eSAL steps into a pivotal phase towards becoming a dominant force in Pan-African Business Process Outsourcing, our strategic partnership with GIP, bolstered by BII, is more than just a business expansion—it’s a commitment to impact sourcing. This investment not only highlights our dedication to excellence but also opens doors for showcasing the talents of young Ghanaians and Africans in the global marketplace. By creating substantial employment opportunities, we are positioned to unveil the potential of Africa’s youth, making Ghana a beacon for global brands seeking innovative, socially responsible BPO solutions in Africa.”
Source: British International Investment