According to the 2024 IITPSA ICT Skills Survey, South Africa is struggling to meet the growing demand for skills necessary to support the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) across the economy.
South Africa’s digital landscape
In the past two years, generative AI has become one of the most significant technologies affecting the world economy. It could play a major role in determining how competitive different countries will be in the future.
South Africa is considered one of the main technology hubs in Africa, often attracting some of the world’s leading technology providers as an entry into the continent. The country has built a strong digital economy thanks to significant investments in digital infrastructure. This includes fibre optics, mobile data networks, and data centres.
As broadband capacity and the need for digital transformation grow, there is room for South Africa’s digital economy to expand.
However, South Africa needs a strong pipeline of ICT skills to support the development of the digital economy and to ensure South Africa remains an attractive investment destination for international technology providers.
Reasons for the shortage of ICT skills in South Africa include challenges in the education and training system and high dropout rates from schools and universities.
ICT skills gap
According to the latest Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) ICT Skills Survey, South Africa is facing challenges in keeping up with the increasing need for skills that are essential for the growth of ICT throughout the economy. A major factor contributing to the ICT skills gap is the rapid progress in technology, which has accelerated significantly in recent years.
South Africa suffers from the dual burden of high unemployment as well as a significant skills shortage. This is especially the case in the technology space.
South Africa’s brain drain
Numerous studies have shown that South Africa is experiencing a significant ‘brain drain’ as skilled professionals seek better opportunities overseas. This trend is often a result of concerns about the country’s economy, crime rates, and other issues. Digitally skilled workers in multinational tech companies are increasingly being recruited, transferred, or promoted to positions abroad. Additionally, thousands of developers in the country are working remotely for foreign firms.
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