FINAL WORD
African data professionals need hard and soft skills to flourish
It is not just about having the technical capabilities , but also about understanding the origins and formation of data , being curious about data , and then being able to share insights meaningfully with non-data professionals in the business , explain Nicky Pantland and Andreas Bartsch at PBT Group .
With the likes of artificial intelligence , AI and automation expected to take over many repetitive tasks , companies globally are trying to fill scarce skills in IT , data analytics , and even AI itself . Advanced technologies are creating opportunities for the next-generation of data professionals who are willing to adapt and leverage their technology-mindedness in this new era of work . However , this requires a combination of hard and soft skills to supplement training and experience .
Digital transformation and evolving into data-driven businesses have become priorities for organisations across industry sectors . And this has led to an enormous demand for data and digital skills that is proving challenging to meet , even internationally .
A 2023 research project by Forbes Advisor indicated that 93 % of UK businesses say there is an IT skills gap , fuelled by rapid advances in technology such as AI , data analytics and cloud computing . And Salesforce ’ s 2022 Global Digital Skills Index estimated that 14 G20 countries could miss out on US $ 11.5 trillion in cumulative GDP growth if the digital skills gap is not addressed .
South Africa ’ s Higher Education Institutions are responding to the local demand for digital skills , often in collaboration with industry . Twelve of the country ’ s major universities offer undergraduate degrees , with postgraduate qualifications up to Doctorate level , aimed at producing specialised data professionals such as Data Engineers , Data Architects , Data Scientists and more .
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