The Most In-Demand Tech Job in South Africa in 2025
It’s early morning in Sandton. At a bustling fintech startup, the CTO scrolls through their recruitment tracker. Projects are piling up—fraud detection powered by AI, cloud-native mobile banking, predictive analytics for lending—all critically dependent on one scarce hire. Across the country—from Cape Town’s buzzing startup scene to Durban’s growing digital hubs—the search is the same: seasoned software developers.
Why are software developers so hot right now in South Africa? In this article, we’ll unpack the stats, the trends, and exactly what it means for those looking to step into this high-demand role.
Which Tech Role Tops Demand in SA?
South Africa’s ICT sector has hundreds of thousands of jobs, but vacancies remain stubbornly high—especially for junior roles. The most in-demand positions are software developers, web developers, and IT support technicians, with software developers leading the pack.
While specialist roles like AI engineers and data scientists are gaining traction, the foundational—and most sought-after—role remains the software developer.
Why Is This Role So Crucial Right Now?
Shrinking Supply, Growing Demand
Even with shifts in the IT job market, developer roles remain some of the most competitive and difficult to fill.
Entry-Level Opportunities
Junior software developers can command salaries of around R25,000 per month, making it one of the best entry-level roles in the country.
Offshoring and Global Alignment
South Africa is becoming a preferred hub for international companies outsourcing their tech work. Shared time zones with Europe and strong English skills make local developers highly attractive to overseas employers.
Digital Transformation Drives Growth
AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are driving the need for skilled developers who can build, integrate, and maintain these systems.
National Upskilling Push
Large-scale training initiatives are underway to equip South Africans with cutting-edge tech skills—particularly in AI, cloud, and security.
Skills Shortage Remains
The gap between demand and supply is especially wide for junior tech talent. Building a pipeline of skilled developers is seen as critical to sustaining the country’s digital growth.
Comparing Software Developers to Related Roles
| Role | Why It’s In-Demand | How It Compares to Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | Entry-level demand, strong salary, global offshoring roles | Most foundational digital role; many pathways to grow |
| Web Developer | High demand for front-end build, UI/UX, ecommerce | More niche, complementary to software engineering |
| IT Support Technician | Starter roles, increasingly automation-vulnerable | Common initial rung, but AI threatens role relevance |
| Data Scientist | Advanced data skills, growing in analytics-intensive jobs | Valuable—but higher barrier, less entry-level openings |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | Critical for digital protection, growing demand | High entry barrier; niche compared to broader dev roles |
| Full-Stack / AI Engineer | Blends development with emerging tech skills | Cutting-edge, but still building supply pipeline |
How to Get into This Role in SA
Local Education and Upskilling
- Bootcamps & Tech Academies: Providers like WeThinkCode!, CodeSpace, and GetSmarter are actively training new developers.
- Certifications: Skills in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and programming languages like TypeScript are highly valuable.
Government and Industry Initiatives
National programmes are investing in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity training for South Africans to close the skills gap.
Build a Portfolio
Employers want to see what you can do. A strong GitHub profile or a collection of real-world projects can make all the difference.
Networking
Tap into communities like Cape Town’s Silicon Cape, Johannesburg’s AI Meetup, and online forums to connect with employers and peers.
Quick Facts
- Top in-demand roles: Software Developer, Web Developer, IT Support Technician
- Junior vacancy rate: Around a quarter of ICT jobs remain unfilled
- Average starting salary: ~R25,000/month
- Offshoring footprint: More than half of new offshoring roles in SA are in tech and IT
- Key skills in demand: AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics
- Upskilling push: Large-scale training projects are targeting over a million South Africans by 2026
FAQ
1. What is the most in-demand tech job in South Africa?
The most in-demand role right now is software developer, followed by web developers and IT support roles.
2. How much does a junior software developer earn in South Africa?
Entry-level roles can earn around R25,000 per month, which is excellent for a starting salary in tech.
3. What qualifications do I need to become a software developer?
You don’t strictly need a degree. Bootcamps, certifications, and a strong portfolio can open the door.
4. Is there a shortage of developer skills in SA?
Yes—many entry-level vacancies go unfilled, especially where modern cloud and AI skills are required.
5. How can I get started in software development in SA?
Build a portfolio, complete a reputable bootcamp or course, get certified, and connect with the tech community.
If you’re considering a career in tech, software development is where the action is. Demand is high, salaries are competitive, and opportunities are growing both locally and internationally. With the right skills, portfolio, and connections, you can carve out a lucrative and rewarding career—while helping to shape South Africa’s digital future.