Portugal’s ICT sector expected to reach €16.6B by 2028 as nearshore demand from Europe accelerates
New Portugal ICT Study highlights strong export growth, rising talent pool and increasing collaboration between German companies and Portuguese technology providers.
Lisbon, May 5, 2026 – According to the newly released Portugal ICT Study 2026–2030 published by the German Outsourcing Association (Deutscher Outsourcing Verband e.V.) in cooperation with 99x, Portugal’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector is entering a new phase of international growth, already contributing close to 10% of the country’s GDP and expected to generate €16.6 billion in revenue by 2028.
The report highlights Portugal’s increasing relevance as a nearshore technology hub for European companies, particularly in the German-speaking market.
Portugal’s digital sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, supported by a strong talent pipeline and growing international demand for digital services. The country currently counts around 245,000 professionals working in ICT (+17,000 projected in 2026), with universities producing approximately 28,000 STEM graduates every year.
The study also reveals the growing international orientation of Portuguese technology companies. Today, 73% of ICT companies export their services.
Germany has become the largest export destination for Portuguese ICT services, accounting for 18% of international demand, followed by the United Kingdom and France.
According to Stephan Fricke from the German Outsourcing Association, these trends confirm Portugal’s strategic role in Europe’s digital economy:
“Portugal offers companies strategically attractive access to highly qualified talent, stable European regulation and an innovation-friendly environment. The study provides valuable insights for companies evaluating sourcing strategies and digital partnerships across Europe.”
The study includes insights from a business survey of ICT companies operating in Portugal, emphasizing key industry trends. Among the findings:
- Strong growth in international delivery models and dedicated engineering teams
- Increasing demand for cloud, cybersecurity and digital transformation services
- Talent availability remaining a key factor influencing companies’ ability to scale operations
Portugal’s ICT landscape now comprises more than 13,000 technology companies, ranging from startups to global delivery centers operated by international corporations.
According to Guilherme Ramos Pereira, Head of Strategic Development at 99x Portugal, the study reflects a broader shift in how European companies structure their digital capabilities.
“The German-speaking market has been increasingly significant for Portuguese ICT companies in recent years and that relevance is only growing. When the German Outsourcing Association brought forward this initiative, joining as initiator was a natural decision for us. At 99x Portugal, we feel a responsibility not just to our own business, but to the broader ecosystem we represent.”
The report also features the evolution of Portugal’s technology capabilities in areas such as data engineering, AI-powered services and emerging agentic AI models, which are becoming more relevant for international delivery centers.
This initiative was strongly supported by AHK Portugal, Cuatrecasas, Sourcing Partner and TRH, in institutional partnership with ANJE, APDC, DSPA, Tice.pt and Startup Portugal.
The Portugal ICT Study 2026–2030 is available for free download at: https://99x.io/explore/portugal-ict-study-2026-2030
--------
About 99x
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Norway, 99x is a global technology group specialising in digital product engineering and related technology services. The group works primarily with technology-led organisations, supporting the design, development, and continuous evolution of digital products and platforms. Comprising nine companies spread across Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Malaysia, 99x employs more than 600 professionals across engineering, product management, design, quality assurance, and supporting disciplines. Know more at https://99x.io/
About the German Outsourcing Association
The German Outsourcing Association is an independent, nonprofit membership organisation founded in 2010 that supports the development of ICT services, outsourcing, and global business services in Germany and international markets. It acts as a platform for companies, public institutions, consultants, and service providers involved in IT and business process sourcing, particularly across the DACH region. Know more at https://outsourcing-verband.org/
