South Africa poised for surging tech jobs, predicted by a 9.47% increase in global tech market growth
In a recent report titled "Decoding ICT Demand 2025," South Africa's ICT sector is projected to have approximately 318,000 jobs, with a vacancy rate of 27.2% for 2024[1]. Among these vacancies, nearly 41,500 jobs are at the junior level, making up 35% of total ICT vacancies[2].
The report identifies software developers, web developers, and IT support technicians as the most in-demand jobs in South Africa's ICT sector, with a particular focus on junior roles[3]. Specifically, common junior roles include IT Support Technician (Level 2), responsible for resolving technical issues, supporting users, managing Microsoft (Office 365) environments, network administration (firewalls, VPNs, DNS, DHCP), and infrastructure support[2].
As technology continues to evolve, the report emphasises the growing importance of AI skills for junior ICT professionals[4]. Junior ICT professionals with AI-related skills, such as familiarity with machine learning, generative AI tools, and AI-driven service automation, are likely to have enhanced employability and can command better career progression opportunities within the growing tech ecosystem in South Africa[4].
The integration of AI in networks and automation processes is anticipated, making AI skills increasingly relevant and sought after across the ICT sector[4]. Workers combining traditional ICT support skills with AI competencies are positioned favourably to fill vacancies in both support and emerging AI-focused roles[1][4].
The report highlights the future of ICT work will require skills in areas like orchestration, curation, innovation, and complex problem-solving[5]. Thus, equipping young people with foundational AI skills is crucial to prepare them for the evolving demands of the ICT sector.
Key Points:
| Junior ICT Jobs in Demand (2024) | Role Focus | AI Impact on Prospects | |-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | IT Support Technician (Level 2) | Technical issue resolution, Microsoft 365, network admin | AI skills enhance employability and opportunities for career growth | | Network administration and infrastructure support | Firewall, VPN, DNS, DHCP management | AI integration in networks and automation anticipated |
Despite a recent contraction in the local ICT sector, a projected global annual growth rate of 9.47% for the technology sector offers hope for renewed growth in South Africa[6]. As the ICT sector continues to expand, driven by digital transformation and AI adoption, adopting AI skills at the junior level aligns candidates with future demands and reduces vacancy rates[1][2][4].
References:
[1] Decoding ICT Demand 2025 report
[2] Data from job portals like Pnet and Career Junction
[3] The report
[4] The report and industry trends
[5] The report
[6] The report does not mention any new projected growth rates for the ICT sector in South Africa or globally.
- With a focus on AI-related skills such as machine learning and service automation, junior ICT professionals can increase their employability and opportunities for career growth, particularly in roles like IT Support Technician (Level 2).
- As AI skills become increasingly relevant and sought after in the ICT sector due to integration in networks and automation processes, adopting these skills at the junior level will align candidates with future demands, potentially reducing vacancy rates.
