Where are the world’s best developers?

How to match an outsourcing destination with your project’s requirements and gain access to world class talent, cutting-edge technologies and dedicated expertise.

Software development has been the primary driving force shaping our digital world for at least two decades. With trillions of digital devices transforming our everyday lives, software developers are essentially the architects of our new high-tech world.

By the end of 2021, according to the 20th edition of the State of the Developer Nation report, the world had 26.8 million active software developers. As digital transformation is well underway, increasingly reimagining and reshaping every aspect of our working and private lives, the number of active developers is expected to grow to 45 million by 2030.

While the US certainly has an impressive range of programmers to choose from – with approximately 4 million active developers – hiring them can often be too expensive for small-to-medium businesses, start-ups, and even large companies that require continuous IT support services.

In this article, Bocasay, our offshore IT agency, provides an overview of the world’s best outsourcing locations for software developers. 

3 Key 🔑 Factors for Choosing an IT Outsourcing Destination

• Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate the overall cost-effectiveness of the destination, taking into account factors such as labor costs, infrastructure expenses, tax incentives, and the currency exchange rate. Compare the costs with the quality of services offered to ensure you are getting the best value for your investment.
  
• Skilled Workforce: Assess the availability and quality of the IT talent pool in the outsourcing destination. Look for a country that has a large pool of skilled IT professionals with relevant expertise and experience in the services you require. Consider factors such as educational institutions, technical training programs and the reputation of the local IT industry.

• Cultural and Language Compatibility: Cultural and language compatibility can significantly impact the success of an outsourcing relationship. Consider the cultural fit and language proficiency of the destination. Look for a country where the cultural norms align with your business practices and where the workforce has strong language skills.

🔝Top Countries for Software Developers and Tech-Talent

🇺🇦 Ukraine

Ukraine’s IT sector has experienced significant growth in recent years. The sector employs over 200,000 IT professionals and has more than 4,000 IT companies. Here are some quick facts about the country’s flourishing IT sector:

1. Talent Pool: Ukraine is known for its highly skilled and tech-savvy workforce. As the country produces a large number of IT graduates each year, Ukrainian IT professionals are sought after globally for their expertise in software development, cybersecurity and data science.
   
   
2. Offshore Development: Ukraine has become a popular destination for outsourcing IT services due to its skilled workforce and competitive costs. Many companies from Europe, the United States, and other regions choose Ukrainian IT firms for software development, IT support and a range of other IT-related projects.
   
   
3. Strong Software Development Focus: Software development is the largest and most prominent sector within Ukraine’s IT industry. Ukrainian companies are known for their expertise in various technologies, including web development, mobile app development, artificial intelligence and blockchain.

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Offering a young, dynamic and highly-talented workforce, Vietnam’s IT sector employs approximately 400,000 IT workers. The country’s skilled workforce, competitive costs and supportive ecosystem make it an attractive destination for outsourcing and collaboration in the IT industry. Quick facts below:

1. Software Expertise: Vietnamese IT companies are widely known for their expertise in areas such as web development, mobile app development, software testing and enterprise software solutions.
   
   
2. Government Support: The Vietnamese government recognizes the importance of the IT sector and has implemented various initiatives to support its growth. These include tax incentives, funding for startups and the development of IT parks and incubators.
   
   
3. Startup Ecosystem: Vietnam’s IT sector has a thriving startup ecosystem. Numerous tech startups have emerged in recent years, focusing on areas such as e-commerce, fintech, software-as-a-service (SaaS) and artificial intelligence (AI). The government and private investors actively support and nurture these startups.

🇲🇺 Mauritius

Mauritius offers a favorable business environment, competitive costs and a multilingual pool of developers. The country has developed expertise in providing customer support, telemarketing, data entry and other Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services. Here are some reasons why Mauritius has become a top destination for IT outsourcing:

1. ICT Parks and Infrastructure: Mauritius has established dedicated ICT parks and zones to foster the growth of the IT sector. These parks provide modern infrastructure, facilities, and support services for IT companies and startups. Examples include the CyberTower and CyberCity located in Ebene.
   
   
2. Cybersecurity Focus: With a rapidly growing IT sector, Mauritius recognizes the importance of cybersecurity. The government has taken measures to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities by implementing a range of cybersecurity regulations and frameworks, as well as establishing a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).
   
   
3. Skilled Workforce: Mauritius has a growing pool of IT professionals with skills in software development, web development, database management, networking, and other IT domains. The country has invested in technical education and vocational training programs to enhance the skills of its IT workforce.

🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexico has emerged as a popular destination for nearshore outsourcing, particularly for companies in the United States. Its proximity to the U.S., coupled with a time zone overlap, makes it convenient for collaboration and communication. Here are some quick facts about the country’s vibrant IT sector:

1. Digital Transformation Initiatives: Mexico is undergoing a significant digital transformation across industries such as healthcare, finance, agriculture and e-government. The government has implemented digital initiatives to improve public services and promote technology adoption, creating a range of opportunities for the IT sector.
   
   
2. High-Tech Expertise: Mexican IT companies have expertise in various technologies, including web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.
   
   
3. Strong Presence of Global Tech Companies: Many global tech companies have a significant presence in Mexico. Companies like IBM, Oracle, Microsoft and Cisco have established offices, development centers, and research facilities in the country, contributing to the growth of the IT sector.

🇲🇬 Madagascar

While Madagascar’s IT sector is still emerging, the country has shown impressive potential for growth and its government has taken major steps to foster the sector’s advancement. With high French-language proficiency and a focus on software development and web services, local companies provide cost-effective services in web development, mobile app development, software solutions and IT consulting. Here’s why Madagascar is an attractive offshore IT destination:

• Focus on BPO: Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is one of the key areas within Madagascar’s IT sector. The country has a growing number of BPO service providers offering services such as call center support, data entry, and content moderation for a wide range of international clients.
  
  
• Tech Talent Pool: Madagascar has a pool of talented IT professionals who are skilled in areas like programming, web development, database management, and IT support. The country has invested in technical education and vocational training programs to enhance the skills of its IT workforce.

• Tech Hubs: Major cities in Madagascar, such as Antananarivo, are home to emerging tech hubs. These hubs bring together IT companies, startups and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

Do you need a partner capable of producing high quality IT development for your company? At Bocasay, our dedicated teams of developers provide cutting edge software solutions for companies around the world. Get in touch to find out how we can help with your next project.