Software Development Outsourcing: Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent years, several emergent regions have become software development sourcing countries. This article investigates the possibilities of sub-Saharan Africa as a sourcing destination in the software field. To find out the reasons why sub-Saharan Africa countries, in general, and Nigeria, in particular, are not considered a destination for global software development projects, the authors interviewed a set of professionals from Europe and Africa. Results indicate that there are many disadvantages and difficulties impeding Nigeria from becoming a preferred sourcing destination, mainly the absence of a strong software industry and the concerns about legislative, fiscal, and commercial premises. On the other hand, it is observed that there are also relevant added values and competitive advantages in Nigeria (English-speaking country, same time zone, and cost); therefore, it can become a potential target for software development outsourcing in the medium and long terms.