Demand for artificial intelligence skills is increasing in South Africa's information and communications technology (ICT) sector, with employers seeking professionals who can develop, implement and manage AI solutions, according to a new industry survey.
The 2026 IITPSA ICT Skills Survey, produced by the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) in partnership with Africa Analysis, found that AI is changing workplace requirements but has not yet resulted in widespread job displacement.
The findings were released at the IITPSA Workforce Intelligence Conference in Johannesburg on 30 October.
Lehlohonolo Mokenela, managing director at Africa Analysis, said organisations reporting significant ICT skills shortages were also among the strongest adopters of AI.
This suggests that businesses are increasingly using the technology to address talent constraints rather than replace employees, he said.
Employers seek specialised AI skills
While software development, cloud computing and data engineering remain important capabilities, the survey points to growing demand for professionals who can put AI solutions into practice.
These include AI engineers, machine learning engineers, generative AI specialists, prompt engineers, and AI governance and compliance officers.
Employers also need professionals who can assess AI risks, support responsible implementation and translate business requirements into practical applications.
The survey identifies AI literacy as an increasingly important capability across workforces, alongside advanced skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics and software development.
Workplace experience remains a major skills gap
A lack of workplace experience was identified as the biggest contributor to ICT skills shortages, cited by 24% of organisations surveyed.
Education and training gaps followed at 20%, while a lack of diversity accounted for 16% and the migration of skilled professionals, or brain drain, for 12%.
Organisations are using a range of incentives to attract and retain talent. Flexible working schedules were offered by 44% of respondents, while 41% provided development programmes, 36% offered increased pay and 29% performance bonuses.
The survey also found that 28% of organisations look overseas for specialised skills and experienced talent, while nearly 52% outsource IT functions to overseas firms.
ICT professionals see AI as an opportunity
The findings suggest that many ICT practitioners are responding to AI-driven changes by developing their skills and exploring remote work opportunities.
Nearly 80% of respondents said AI had reduced their workload or the complexity of their tasks. Fewer than 10% reported an increase in either.
Almost half (47.9%) said they were both optimistic and concerned about AI, while 37.6% were optimistic about its potential.
Only 6% believed they faced a high risk of losing their jobs because of AI. A further 27.4% saw a moderate risk, while 45.3% considered the risk low and 21.4% believed there was no risk.
The survey also found that professionals using AI for more than half of their daily work reported the greatest productivity improvements and more positive views of the technology.
Alternative training pathways needed
The report warns that technological developments are moving faster than traditional ICT skills pipelines through universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.
It points to several contributing factors, including weak foundational literacy and numeracy, declining participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways, limited workplace learning opportunities and the migration of experienced professionals.
The IITPSA says workplace-based learning, internships and graduate development programmes need to be expanded, alongside stronger partnerships between industry and educational institutions.
IITPSA president Pearl Pasi said South Africa needed to accelerate efforts to develop its AI skills base and ensure that existing workers could adapt to changing requirements.
She also called for greater use of micro-credentials, professional certifications and alternative learning pathways to help workers keep pace with technological change.
