Cybersecurity Expertise Leads in Tech Job Demand Across Africa
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The tech landscape in Africa is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing demand for cybersecurity and AI-related digital skills across major economies. According to recent reports, cybersecurity has emerged as the most in-demand tech skill on the continent, with 86% of organizations highlighting its importance [1][2][3][4].
This rising demand can be attributed to the rapid expansion of Africa's digital economy. The continent's overall digital economy is projected to grow to $712 billion by 2050, driven by rapid mobile adoption and a tech-savvy youth population [4].
The surge in demand for cybersecurity skills is particularly notable in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, where 86% of firms have identified it as a major gap [1][2]. In Kenya, up to 65% of hard skills for common jobs could be automated by AI, further driving a need for reskilling with a focus on AI-resilient and digital-first skills such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics [1].
The demand for tech skills is not limited to cybersecurity. Generative AI skills are also in high demand, with 83% of organizations prioritizing them [1]. This contrasts with a previous survey where only 7% of companies reported no change in their tech skill requirements [5].
The increase in demand for tech skills is universal and has been observed across Africa. In fact, all organizations surveyed in a recent report indicated an increased need for tech skills over the past twelve months [5]. Fifty percent of companies across regions have noted a significant increase in demand for tech skills [5].
For instance, in South Africa, 63% of organizations reported a significant increase in demand for tech skills [2]. Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Rwanda are leading Africa’s tech boom, focusing heavily on fintech, AI, agritech, and scaling digital talent [3].
The urgency for mass reskilling initiatives involving governments, industry, and education sectors is evident, as the demand for tech skills continues to soar. Communication and strategic thinking are also gaining attention as vital complementary skills alongside core technical skills [4].
However, the current global landscape paints a concerning picture. Only 14% of organizations globally are confident in their current cybersecurity skill sets [6]. This underscores the need for concerted efforts to bridge the skills gap and position Africa as a global tech powerhouse.
In summary, the recent data from 2025 strongly indicates a rising, acute demand for cybersecurity and AI-related digital skills across major African economies, driven by the continent’s expanding tech ecosystems, youthful demographic, and digital growth strategies [1][2][3][4]. The surge in demand for tech skills is a notable trend in Africa and requires urgent attention to ensure the continent can capitalize on its digital potential.
References:
[1] BrighterMonday Kenya Report, 2025 [2] TechCabal Report, 2025 [3] Africa Tech Roundup, 2025 [4] World Bank Report, 2025 [5] African Development Bank Report, 2025 [6] Cybersecurity Ventures Report, 2022/2023
- The growing demand for cybersecurity skills in Africa, as seen in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, is a critical focus area for 86% of organizations, highlighting the significant role it plays in the continent's digital transformation.
- In addition to cybersecurity, generative AI skills are also in high demand, with 83% of African organizations prioritizing them, signifying the universal increase in demand for tech skills across the continent.
- TheCall for mass reskilling initiatives, involving collaboration between governments, industries, and education sectors, is urgent, as the demand for AI-related digital skills, such as cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics, continues to soar in Africa's expanding tech ecosystems.
