Outsourcing Impact Review: Hugo

Hugo is redefining how the outsourcing industry creates meaningful impact at scale through “Hugo Academy,” a demand-led, digital-first education-to-employment pipeline that bridges the gap for underrepresented African youth—especially women and working mothers.

Rooted in the belief that world-class work can come from overlooked talent pools, Hugo Academy trains, mentors, and connects young people in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, and beyond to dignified remote jobs with global clients. Programs are designed to break down barriers—closing skills gaps, expanding digital access, and helping participants build the confidence, habits, and networks needed to succeed in global teams.

Impact of “Hugo Academy”

In 2024–25, Hugo Academy supported 2,083 learners, graduating 1,320 participants with an average completion rate of 94.5%. Of these, 668 secured remote jobs at Hugo with international companies, and women filled two-thirds of new placements. Hugo Academy participants report average earnings 170% higher than local wage benchmarks and overwhelming growth in personal confidence, digital literacy, and teamwork skills. Of women, 95% say they have greater economic empowerment and career advancement since joining the program.

How “Hugo Academy” Started: A quick background

Hugo Academy was launched to solve one of Africa’s most urgent challenges: youth underemployment—especially for young women with limited access to quality work, market-aligned training, or professional networks. The Academy’s digital-first, demand-led model prioritizes inclusion from the start, making the path to global digital careers accessible, flexible, and effective for those previously left out of the opportunity pipeline.

Relevant Statistics: Facts and Figures

• 2,083 participants in Academy programs in 2024–25
• 1,320 graduates with a 94.5% average completion rate
• 668 jobs filled at Hugo, primarily with international clients
• 66% of job placements awarded to women, including many working mothers
• 170% wage uplift over local norms for graduates
• 89% report transformed livelihoods; 95% report improved professional growth

Positive Impact Created

Hugo Academy not only enables economic independence but also expands career horizons. Learners gain technical and soft skills, remote work readiness, and leadership development—opening up roles with Hugo and global brands such as Barclays, Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC, as well as pathways to postgraduate education and entrepreneurship. Each cohort drives a multiplier effect for families and communities across Africa.

A Real Impact

Jenny (not her real name) joined Hugo Academy with zero professional experience. After training, she was placed as a Customer Experience agent, then promoted to Quality Analyst, Senior Analyst, and eventually Project Manager, overseeing AI operations for major tech companies. Jenny credits the Academy’s mentorship and women’s leadership track for her skills and confidence—and her story is now echoed by hundreds of other graduates in leadership, tech, and consulting roles globally.