Belarus unrest puts IT sector at risk

Significance

The IT sector has been an unmitigated success in recent years and formerly coexisted with the government, but internet shutdowns raised operational risks, and the industry's staff have become progressively involved in civic action.

Impacts

• IT outsourcing is an important source of foreign currency revenues, which may now decline.
• Neighbouring Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states are set to benefit if IT companies move out of Belarus.
• The Belarusian service sector would suffer from a mass exodus of skilled and well-paid IT workers.