South Africa is rapidly emerging as a leading technology hub, with cities beyond traditional business centers stepping into the spotlight. According to a recent analysis by QuickBooks South Africa, Stellenbosch has been named the country’s top city for tech job opportunities per capita, surpassing Johannesburg and Cape Town. This shift highlights the growing demand for tech talent and the expansion of South Africa’s digital economy.
South Africa’s New Tech Capitals: A Surprising Shift
QuickBooks South Africa analyzed over 16,000 job listings on Indeed and found that Stellenbosch leads with an impressive 36 tech jobs per 100,000 people. This Western Cape city has overtaken Johannesburg (24 per 100,000) and Cape Town (19 per 100,000), thanks to its thriving innovation ecosystem and proximity to Stellenbosch University, a major source of tech talent.
No ad to show here.
Top 5 Tech Hubs in South Africa
1. Stellenbosch: The Unexpected Leader
With 36 tech-related roles per 100,000 people, Stellenbosch has emerged as a leading technology powerhouse. The city’s proximity to Stellenbosch University has fueled a strong pipeline of software engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists, making it an attractive hub for startups and established companies alike.
2. Midrand: Gauteng’s Rising Star
Midrand follows closely with 30 tech jobs per 100,000 people, benefiting from its strategic location between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Home to major players like Microsoft and Vodacom, Midrand has become a thriving business district for technology companies looking to scale their operations.
3. Johannesburg: The Corporate Tech Hub
As South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg ranks third, boasting 24 tech jobs per 100,000 people. The city is home to global tech giants like Google, IBM, and Cisco, supporting roles in software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity. However, its large population makes competition for jobs tougher than in smaller cities.
4. Centurion: The Telecommunications Hub
With 23 tech-related roles per 100,000 people, Centurion has gained recognition for its role in telecommunications, hosting Telkom and Huawei. Its business parks and research centers make it an attractive location for network engineers, cloud specialists, and IT consultants.
5. Cape Town: The Start-up Capital
While Cape Town ranks fifth with 19 tech jobs per 100,000 people, it remains a vibrant tech hub, known for its start-up culture, venture capital ecosystem, and strong university pipeline. Despite hosting over 650 tech job vacancies, the city’s large population makes the job market highly competitive.
Tech Salaries on the Rise: High Demand for Skilled Talent
The report also sheds light on South Africa’s top-paying tech jobs for 2025. Leading the pack is Engineering Manager, with an average annual salary of ZAR 840,000. Senior developers, including Senior Java Developers, earn an average of ZAR 813,831 per year. The most in-demand roles include Software Engineers, Senior Software Engineers, and Data Engineers.
What’s Driving South Africa’s Tech Boom?
According to QuickBooks South Africa, the rise in tech job demand is fueled by:
- Increased internet availability across urban and rural areas.
- Investment in digital infrastructure by multinational corporations.
- A young, tech-savvy population eager to enter the industry.
A QuickBooks South Africa spokesperson commented: “This study highlights that technology-related opportunities are growing beyond major cities and often come with above-average salaries. For those considering a career shift or launching a tech startup, cities like Stellenbosch and Midrand present high demand for talent while offering a more affordable lifestyle.”
South Africa’s Future as a Tech Powerhouse
With tech hubs expanding beyond Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa is well on its way to becoming a global leader in innovation and digital transformation. As investment continues and talent pipelines strengthen, cities like Stellenbosch, Midrand, and Centurion are poised to shape the future of technology in the region.
