EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

AS AFRICA EMBRACES DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND BUSINESSES EMBRACE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION , THEY ARE CHALLENGED WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF ATTRACTING , TRAINING AND RETAINING SKILLED TALENT . WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT MODERN DAY AFRICA FACES AROUND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND HOW CAN THEY MANAGE THESE OBSTACLES ?

Talent marketplaces are technology platforms that connect companies with highly skilled professionals seeking opportunities . These platforms are changing how organisations source , vet , and manage talent , making hiring more agile , responsive , and flexible .

Utilising advanced algorithms and analytics tools , talent marketplaces streamline the talent sourcing process , enabling businesses to access a global talent pool for various roles , including permanent , freelance , contract , or contract-then-hire positions .

In 2018 , Korn Ferry predicted a global technology labour skills shortage of 4.3 million workers , and unrealised output of $ 449.70 billion , by 2030 . With technology underpinning all other sectors of the global economy , this talent shortage could stall advancement not only in the technology space but across industries .

In just six short years , Gen Z will make up 40 % of the workforce , eventually becoming the dominant demographic . Unlike some of their Gen X counterparts , Gen Z has grown up in a digitally enabled world , making remote work feel effortless – second nature . Understanding what motivates this generation , beyond their digital savvy , will be essential for employers looking to future proof their hiring strategies and plans .

The technology crunch is already having an impact on key business areas like innovation , business agility and workforce productivity . Urgent action is needed to tackle this technical skills crisis that is already stifling productivity and innovation across the globe , from the US to South Africa .

Executives from One Degree , SAS Africa , Outsized , explain further .

26 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com