South Africa Positioned for Tech Jobs Surge Amid 9.47% Global Growth Forecast
The study suggests that while AI may displace some jobs, it can also augment others, and that the future of ICT work will require skills in areas like orchestration, curation, innovation, and complex problem-solving.
According to the “Decoding ICT Demand 2025” report, South Africa’s ICT sector is estimated to have approximately 318,000 jobs, with a vacancy rate of 27.2% for 2024. Of these vacancies, 35% are at the junior level, which amounts to nearly 41,500 jobs. The report, which uses data from job portals like Pnet and Career Junction, indicates that the most in-demand jobs are software developers, web developers, and IT support technicians. These roles are also the most sought-after for junior positions. Despite a recent contraction in the local ICT sector due to global and local economic pressures, a projected global annual growth rate of 9.47% for the technology sector offers hope for renewed growth in South Africa.
The report also identifies “zones of opportunity” for junior job seekers in roles with high vacancy rates and a lower number of applicants. Software developers, web developers, and Microsoft developers all fall into this category. Junior ICT professionals can expect an average monthly salary of around R25,000, which is considered “economically transformative” compared to junior roles in other sectors. The study highlights that proficiency in cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, as well as programming languages like TypeScript, significantly increases a junior software developer’s chance of employment.
However, the report also raises concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entry-level job market. Roles such as IT Support Technicians and software testers, which have historically served as entry points, are considered vulnerable to displacement by AI. The report emphasizes that a lack of AI skills will become a barrier to employment and that equipping young people with foundational AI skills is crucial to prevent the “bottom rung of the career ladder from breaking”. The study suggests that while AI may displace some jobs, it can also augment others, and that the future of ICT work will require skills in areas like orchestration, curation, innovation, and complex problem-solving.
