The short version

AI is pushing South African firms to look for specialised ICT talent. The 2026 IITPSA survey shows demand for AI‑related roles is rising while job loss remains low.

What happened

The 2026 IITPSA ICT Skills Survey, released at a Johannesburg conference on 30 October, found AI is changing workplace needs but has not caused widespread job cuts.

Nearly 80% of respondents said AI reduced their workload or task complexity, and fewer than 10% said it increased it.

Education/training gap
20%
Looking overseas for talent
28%
Outsourcing IT abroad
52%
Source: as reported by bizcommunity.com.

The background

The survey links the talent shortage to a lack of workplace experience (24% of the gap) and education/training gaps (20%).

Companies with the biggest ICT skills shortages are also the strongest AI adopters, suggesting AI is being used to address talent constraints rather than replace staff.

A World Bank report echoed similar findings, noting structural misalignment between training outputs and employer demand for digital skills.

What it means for owners and operators

Owners should plan for higher staffing costs as firms offer flexible hours (44% of firms), development programmes (41%) and higher pay (36%) to attract AI talent.

Operators can improve productivity by upskilling existing staff in AI literacy and by adopting AI tools that automate routine tasks.

Both owners and operators may need to consider outsourcing (52% do) or recruiting overseas (28%) to fill niche roles while local talent pipelines catch up.

The numbers

24% of ICT skills gaps are due to lack of workplace experience; 20% stem from education and training gaps.

44% of firms offer flexible schedules, 41% provide development programmes, 36% increase pay and 29% give performance bonuses to retain talent.

28% look overseas for specialised skills and 52% outsource IT functions abroad.

Education/training gap
20%
Looking overseas for talent
28%
Outsourcing IT abroad
52%
Source: as reported by bizcommunity.com.

Our take

Analysis by Infercline · The people

AI is reshaping South African ICT talent needs, so firms must upskill, offer flexible work and tap overseas talent to stay competitive.

What to do in your business tomorrow

  1. Audit your current ICT team’s AI literacy and identify gaps.
  2. Introduce flexible working or development programmes to attract AI‑skilled professionals.
  3. Partner with local training providers to offer micro‑credentials or on‑the‑job learning for AI roles.

Related coverage

Sources

  • bizcommunity.com: AI drives demand for specialised ICT skills in South Africa
  • ITWeb: AI wave creates new ICT skills demand in SA
  • iAfrica: Southern Africa’s AI Skills Gap Is About Experience, Not Degrees, ICT Leaders Say
  • lifestyleandtech: IITPSA launches 2026 ICT Skills Survey: AI skills demand surges as SA workforce adapts
  • Cape Times: World Bank warns South Africa’s digital-skills pipeline is not meeting demand