South Africa’s tech talent drain hinders sector growth, experts say

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — The increasing number of skilled South African youth taking jobs abroad is worsening the country’s shortage of ICT skills.
This was the consensus from experts at the launch of MTN’s Skills Academy, with MTN’s Nompilo Morafo warning that local firms struggle to compete globally for tech talent.
Statistics indicate a small drop in youth unemployment, yet issues persist. MTN and other major companies are expanding digital skills training to help address the skills gap.
However, panelists like Richard Moyo, project manager at Datacomb Development Hub, cautioned that overseas tech giants hiring South Africans still hinders development.
Globally, over 20 million IT jobs will require digital skills by 2030, but Africa lags in readiness. Despite challenges, the continent’s 450 million youth present an opportunity to assist the tech talent shortage if public-private collaboration unlocks their potential.
In South Africa, an estimated 3.3 million jobs may be displaced by technological advances, but 4.5 million new digital economy roles could arise if skills development is prioritized.
MTN’s Skills Academy and initiatives like the government’s Presidential Youth Employment Intervention demonstrate efforts to prepare youth for tech jobs.
Ultimately, a joint effort between government, business, and civil society is imperative to leverage South Africa’s youth through improved education, targeted ICT skills building, and entrepreneurship enablement.
Experts said that if the country acts decisively, the tech skills crisis can catalyze inclusive growth and shared prosperity.