South Africa Poised for a Tech Jobs Boom with a Predicted 9.47% Global Growth Rate in Tech Industry
The "Decoding ICT Demand 2025" report has shed light on the most sought-after junior ICT roles in South Africa, with software developers, web developers, and IT support technicians topping the list [4][2].
As the ICT sector evolves, the report underscores the significance of equipping young people with foundational AI skills. The lack of AI competency could potentially become a barrier to employment for the next generation, it warns [1].
The future of ICT work is expected to require skills in areas like orchestration, curation, innovation, and complex problem-solving [3]. However, the report also suggests that while AI may displace some jobs, it can also augment others [5].
One of the roles that may be affected is that of IT Support Technicians and software testers, traditionally entry-level positions. The report cautions that these roles could be at risk of displacement [6].
Despite these concerns, the report emphasizes that employers are redesigning entry-level roles to integrate AI tools that amplify human capabilities rather than replace them. This means that junior ICT candidates with AI-related skills or familiarity with AI tools are better positioned to succeed and add value at the start of their careers [2].
The study further highlights that proficiency in cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, as well as programming languages like TypeScript, can significantly increase a junior software developer's employment chances [7].
Junior ICT professionals can expect an average monthly salary of around R25,000, considered "economically transformative" compared to other sectors [8]. This underscores the potential for a rewarding career in the ICT industry for those who are equipped with the right skills.
In conclusion, the transition towards AI-enhanced ICT work in South Africa necessitates continuous upskilling in AI-related areas to remain competitive in these entry-level ICT positions. Candidates who invest in their AI skills and knowledge will be well-positioned to thrive in this evolving job market.
[1] Equipping young people with foundational AI skills is crucial to prevent the "bottom rung of the career ladder from breaking", the report emphasizes. [2] The report warns that AI may displace roles such as IT Support Technicians and software testers, which are historically entry-level positions. However, it also emphasizes that employers are redesigning entry-level roles to incorporate AI tools. [3] The future of ICT work will require skills in areas like orchestration, curation, innovation, and complex problem-solving, according to the study. [4] The most in-demand junior ICT jobs in South Africa according to the "Decoding ICT Demand 2025" report are primarily software developers, web developers, and IT support technicians. [5] The study suggests that while AI may displace some jobs, it can also augment others. [6] A lack of AI skills will become a barrier to employment for young people, according to the report. [7] Proficiency in cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, as well as programming languages like TypeScript, increases a junior software developer's employment chances. [8] Junior ICT professionals can expect an average monthly salary of around R25,000, considered "economically transformative" compared to other sectors.
- To remain competitive in the evolving ICT job market, it's essential for young people to acquire foundational AI skills, as a lack of AI competency could potentially become a barrier to employment for the next generation.
- Employers are redesigning entry-level ICT roles to integrate AI tools that amplify human capabilities, meaning that junior ICT candidates with AI-related skills or familiarity with AI tools are better positioned to succeed in the future.
