The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector is expanding at nearly three times the pace of the global economy, positioning it as one of the most dynamic and influential spaces to work in. With revolutionary advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and advanced connectivity, the sector is not only reshaping how we work and live it’s also Challenging the way societies tackle global challenges.
In South Africa, this transformation is unfolding against the backdrop of high youth unemployment. The rapid pace of technological change creates both promise and challenge. While digital jobs can serve as an engine for youth empowerment and economic transformation, they also introduce uncertainty around the future of work and skills.
The South African ICT Landscape: Opportunity Amidst Uncertainty
Rob Urquhart, Executive for Evaluation, Impact and Learning at Collective X, said “Understanding the evolving landscape of ICT work is crucial. South Africa had around 318,000 ICT jobs in 2024 with a 27.2% vacancy rate, 35% of which were junior roles. While the local IT sector experienced some contraction due to global and domestic economic pressures, a global compound annual growth rate of 9.47% in the technology sector offers hope for renewed momentum and revitalization in the South African market, especially in AI-driven skills.”
Is AI The Disruptor and Enabler?
While AI is a powerful force, its integration into job roles remains complex. Dedicated AI roles are still rare, often integrated into existing positions rather than standing alone. The question remains: is the job market lagging behind AI’s integration, or is South Africa simply a slower adopter?
One certainty is that most ICT jobs are on the verge of transformation. The AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium 2025 predicts that 91.5% of ICT roles will undergo moderate to high transformation due to AI. Automation threatens roles such as IT support technicians, system administrators, and testers in particular.
Zones of Opportunity for Youth
By analyzing job listings and application volumes, certain roles stand out as ideal for youth entry. Software developers, web developers, and Microsoft developers not only have high vacancy rates but also attract fewer applications, highlighting a ‘zone of opportunity.’ Conversely, employers face an oversupply of applications for roles like data administrators and desktop support specialists.
Skills in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud) and programming languages like TypeScript enhance employability. Startups, in particular, prefer Google Cloud due to its affordability and free-tier offerings, which make it more accessible to junior developers.
Driving Factors Behind Web Development Demand
Although global trends are shifting toward the use of low-code and no-code platforms, web development remains one of the most sought-after ICT skills in South Africa. Several key factors contribute to this sustained demand. To begin with, the country has seen a notable increase in smartphone usage, with mobile subscriptions expected to reach 116.7 million by 2025. This growth has created a pressing need for websites that are optimized for mobile devices. In addition, the expansion of eCommerce, accelerated by behavioural shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a lasting demand for secure and high-performing digital storefronts. Furthermore, the steady digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continues to drive the need for skilled web developers. As more SMEs enhance their digital footprint, web development plays a critical role in supporting their online operations and competitiveness in the digital economy.
Bridging the Gap: What Needs to Change
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates AI will create 11 million jobs while displacing 9 million. To ensure South African youth benefit from this shift, stakeholders must take systemic action.
Key recommendations include:
- Employers: Redesign entry-level roles to integrate AI tools that amplify rather than replace human work
- Training Providers: Embed AI fundamentals into all ICT programs and offer real-world experience.
- Government: Support agile, demand-driven skilling models tied to employment outcomes.
- Startups and SMEs: Foster inclusive programs that create accessible digital opportunities.
Steering the Train of Change
As Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei notes, the AI “train” cannot be stopped but it can be steered. South Africa urgently needs a coordinated national response to AI’s disruptive potential. If the youth are to thrive in the digital age, they must gain not only ICT skills but also the adaptive mindsets and opportunities that prepare them for a future shaped by continuous transformation.
“We hope to build on this research annually to establish a national barometer that tracks the state of ICT employment in South Africa and how it is evolving. Our goal is to equip decision-makers and stakeholders with the insights needed to respond proactively to this ever-changing landscape,” said Rob Urquhart, Executive for Evaluation, Impact and Learning at Collective X.
