For the first time in almost a decade, two new occupational categories feature among South Africa’s 10 hardest-to-fill skills. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technology, along with senior project management roles, are now proving particularly difficult areas for employers to find local talent.

According to preliminary findings from the Xpatweb 2026 Critical Skills Survey, currently underway, 22% of participants so far reported difficulty recruiting AI specialists and employees with emerging technology skills, placing the category fourth among the most sought-after skills. Strategic, operational and project management skills follow in the fifth place, with 19% of respondents citing challenges in filling these roles, says Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director at Xpatweb.

Given the rising global demand for AI skills, it was only a matter of time before the shortage of these skills would be felt in South Africa’s labour market

In September 2026 the US-based think tank Bipartisan Policy Centre, drawing on Lightcast data, reported that the number of US online job postings mentioning AI skills was 165% higher than a year earlier. Meanwhile the international Centre for Economic Policy Research in Europe has indicated that roles requiring AI specialist skills demand an average global wage premium of up to 62%.

Why The Survey Results Matters

The annual Xpatweb Critical Skills Survey, regarded as South Africa’s largest and most comprehensive employer-led assessment of skills shortages, provides a real-world snapshot of the skills that SMEs, large corporates and multinational companies find hardest to recruit. 

Jacobs says the findings are shared with relevant government departments to help shape immigration policy and measures supporting the recruitment of skilled foreign talent in areas where South Africa faces shortages. 

For one, the data helps inform which occupations should be included on the national Critical Skills List, ensuring expedited work visa applications for international workers whose occupations appear on it. The list is due to be updated, with the last full update being in February 2022 and latest amendment being October 2023.

Jacobs says with 66% of companies saying an international search would help to find suitable candidates, it is important for business to contribute to the survey before it closes on 30 September 2026.

In addition to the two new categories among the 10 most sought-after roles, businesses in South Africa are looking for engineers, ICT specialists, artisans, media and marketing specialists, science and healthcare professionals, C-suite executives, and foreign language speakers.

The Rise of AI

Jacobs says that in previous years, AI skills were grouped under ICT occupations, which have consistently ranked among the top 10 skills in high demand since the first survey was conducted in 2017.

“Due to volume of responses pointing to AI-related employer needs, as well as changes in the labour market globally, AI has been separated out as a category on its own this year.”

During a recent Xpatweb webinar unpacking the preliminary findings, attendees were asked how AI is changing the skills required within their organisations. 

The responses suggest that AI is already reshaping existing roles, with 47% saying it is changing the skills required in existing positions. A further 14% said AI is reducing the need for certain roles, while 6% reported growing demand for new specialist roles. However, 22% said it is still too early to tell what the impact will be, and 11% reported little or no impact at present.

Experienced Engineers Wanted

Although less companies indicated so far that they need engineers than in 2025, it is still the most in-demand skill with 29% citing a shortage.

This includes mechanical, industrial, automation, energy and agricultural engineers, as well as engineering technologists or technicians in the mechanical, electrical and electronic fields. Worth noting also, is the need for engineering managers, and quantity surveyors.

Jacobs says 34% of respondents require engineers with between 3 and 5 years’ experience, and 31% look for engineers with 6 to 10 years’ experience in their fields.

Keeping the Gears Turning: Artisan Demand Hits a Nine-Year High

The second hardest skills to recruit, is shared by ICT experts and artisans. In each category, 25% of survey participants indicated it is not easy to fill these roles without recruiting from abroad.

The demand for artisans is the highest since 2017. 

Jacobs says the need for amongst others, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics, electricians, millwrights, transportation electricians and lift mechanics, show it is about keeping South Africa and industries moving. 

For 77% of the respondents noting an artisan shortage a Trade Certificate is the most requested qualification. More than 50% are looking for candidates with 3 to 5 years’ experience.

C-Suite Experience Counts in Candidates’ Favour

The preliminary findings show a slight decrease in the need for C-suite executives compared to 2025, but experience is a defining factor.

When recruiting Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Technology Officers and the like, 62% of companies want candidates with a master’s degree. Almost 60% is looking for senior managers with 10 years or more experience – the highest of all occupations where this extensive experience is required. 

How to Address South Africa's Critical Skills Shortage Challenge

The results so far highlight some of the challenges businesses face when trying to access skilled foreign talent. For 82% of respondents the visa process is a barrier to attracting skilled employees from abroad, with 57% describing it as a significant barrier and a further 25% as somewhat of a barrier.

According to poll results from the webinar, attendees identified improved education and training (32%), better alignment between education and industry needs (30%), and easier access to international skills (10%) among the measures likely to have the greatest positive impact to mitigate the skills shortages.

Jacobs says the consequences of skills shortages are being felt beyond recruitment. Of the companies that have already taken part in the survey, 53% said vacancies are constraining their business, pointing to the broader economic and operational cost of leaving critical positions unfilled. 

“Addressing South Africa’s critical skills shortage requires a multipronged approach,” Jacobs notes. “This includes strengthening our local skills pipeline while opening the doors to global talent where critical skills cannot be sourced from within South Africa and supporting companies to access that international talent are all crucial elements of the solution.”

Written by Xpatweb