Tech Industry Boom Expected in South Africa, Anticipating a 9.47% Global Growth Projection
A recent study sheds light on the future of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in South Africa, highlighting the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow and the current in-demand roles for junior professionals.
The Most Sought-After Jobs for Junior ICT Professionals
The study reveals that the South African ICT sector is projected to have a high vacancy rate, with 27.2% of jobs vacant for 2024. Among the most in-demand entry-level ICT jobs are positions such as Junior IT Technician, IT Internships, Help Desk Technician, Junior Apprentice IT Technician, Data Analyst, Field Technician, and Technical Specialist. These roles typically involve providing technical support, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, network support, and assisting with system configurations and maintenance.
Preparing for the Future: Skills and Certifications
To mitigate the impact of AI on entry-level ICT jobs, young people in South Africa can prepare by building foundational IT skills, acquiring certifications and diplomas, developing skills that complement AI, gaining practical experience through internships and apprenticeships, learning programming and software development basics, and focusing on roles requiring interpersonal skills and contextual understanding.
The report emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with foundational AI skills to prevent the "bottom rung of the career ladder from breaking." It also suggests that while AI may displace some jobs, it can also augment others in the ICT sector.
The Role of AI in the ICT Sector
The report raises concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entry-level job market, specifically for IT Support Technicians and software testers. However, it also underscores the need for junior ICT professionals to develop AI skills to remain competitive and resilient against AI-driven automation.
The "Decoding ICT Demand 2025" Report
The "Decoding ICT Demand 2025" report estimates South Africa's ICT sector to have approximately 318,000 jobs. The report uses data from job portals like Pnet and Career Junction. It identifies "zones of opportunity" for junior job seekers in the roles of software developers, web developers, and Microsoft developers.
A Promising Future for the ICT Sector
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. 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.
In conclusion, the ICT sector in South Africa presents a promising future for young professionals. By focusing on building foundational IT skills, acquiring relevant certifications, and gaining practical experience, junior ICT professionals can position themselves for success in this dynamic and evolving field.
- To thrive in the dynamic ICT sector, junior professionals in South Africa should consider learning AI skills, such as software development and programming, to complement traditional roles and stay competitive.
- The "Decoding ICT Demand 2025" report showcases education and self-development opportunities in software development, web development, and Microsoft development as promising zones for junior ICT job seekers.
