New Partnerships from Johannesburg: IT Park Uzbekistan Expands BPO and IT Cooperation with South Africa

On September 22, Johannesburg hosted the first Uzbekistan–South Africa Business Forum, bringing together government institutions, business associations, and more than 60 companies and organizations from the two countries. IT and digital services were highlighted as one of the promising areas for bilateral cooperation.

Alongside the forum, IT Park Uzbekistan held a series of targeted meetings with representatives of South Africa’s GBS/BPO ecosystem, development institutions, and technology companies. The discussions focused on opportunities for companies to launch new operations in Uzbekistan, engage local talent, and consider the country as a location for international service delivery centers.

One of the key meetings of the visit was held with Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), South Africa’s national industry body for the GBS/BPO sector. The parties discussed mechanisms used to attract international companies, launch new delivery centers, and support the development of the industry.

Particular attention was given to similarities between BPESA’s experience and IT Park Uzbekistan’s Softlanding and Zero Risk programs, creating new opportunities for practical cooperation between the two ecosystems. The parties agreed to jointly explore opportunities for South African GBS/BPO companies to establish operations in Uzbekistan and to continue engagement with BPESA’s team in Cape Town.

Another important area of cooperation was established with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). The meeting explored opportunities to connect South African companies with the Uzbek market and the IT Park ecosystem, exchange referrals on promising companies, and develop new business connections.

GGDA expressed interest in continuing its engagement with IT Park Uzbekistan, facilitating access to relevant local companies and organizations, and supporting future joint initiatives. This creates an additional channel for cooperation with technology and service companies in the Gauteng region.

Another focus of the visit was expanding ties with government institutions and the startup ecosystem. During discussions with South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the parties exchanged views on connecting startups across the two markets, supporting promising projects, and developing formats for cooperation between their respective ecosystems.

Meetings with the private sector addressed several practical areas. Companies in BPO, HR outsourcing, and business services showed interest in Uzbekistan's talent pool and the possibility of setting up new operations in the country. Conversations with firms in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, software, and digital transformation centered on expanding technology services and creating new delivery models. Some companies have advanced to the stage of exploring opportunities to establish back-office functions in Uzbekistan, build local teams, and join IT Park.

The meetings included companies such as GRIFFILEE PROMOTIONS, ITM Katope, AT Business Solutions, Encore Strategic Partners, 3 Worx IT, and Matiwane Diplomatic Consulting.

The next step will be to convert these established connections into concrete projects — linking South African companies with Uzbekistan, attracting new delivery and back-office centers, and creating a sustainable business link between the IT and BPO ecosystems of the two countries.