Skills shortages are holding back businesses in South Africa - survey finds the weak spots
A survey of 426 businesses in South Africa's Western Cape reveals that critical shortages in digital, soft, and environmental sustainability skills are hindering growth. The findings suggest that both educational institutions and private firms need to increase investment in staff training to bridge the current skills gap.
Why it matters
Identifying specific skill gaps is a prerequisite for improving business productivity and competitiveness in a changing global economy.
Towfiqu Barbhuiya, Pexels , CC BY Skills shortages are holding back businesses in South Africa – survey finds the weak spots Published: July 13, 2026 9:43am EDT https://theconversation.com/skills-shortages-are-holding-back-businesses-in-south-africa-survey-finds-the-weak-spots-286978 https://theconversation.com/skills-shortages-are-holding-back-businesses-in-south-africa-survey-finds-the-weak-spots-286978 Link copied Share article Share article
Copy link Email Bluesky Facebook WhatsApp Messenger LinkedIn X (Twitter) Print article
Running a business in South Africa has become increasingly difficult. The challenges range from the economic after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to limited access to finance , increased global competition, shifting trade relations , technological change and governance issues .
As researchers with an interest in urban economies, we set out to understand the biggest challenges facing businesses wanting to grow in South Africa’s Western Cape province. The study involved surveying 426 businesses to draw on the views of employers directly.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in