The 2026 Future of Jobs Summit™ in Sandton did not begin with optimism. It began with urgency.

Held against the backdrop of, the summit brought together business leaders, policymakers, educators, innovators, investors, and youth voices at a moment when the country is confronting one of the deepest employment challenges in its democratic history.

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa paints a sobering picture: official unemployment has climbed to 32.7%, more than 8.1 million South Africans remain unemployed, and youth unemployment among 15鈥�24-year-olds stands at a devastating 60.9%.

But perhaps the most important insight emerging from the summit was this: South Africa cannot solve today鈥檚 jobs crisis with yesterday鈥檚 industries.

The global economy is reorganising itself at extraordinary speed around artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy, digital services, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and entirely new forms of work and entrepreneurship.

New categories of jobs are emerging globally while traditional sectors face increasing disruption.

And yet much of South Africa鈥檚 national economic conversation remains anchored in the assumptions of the past. This is not simply a jobs crisis. It is a future-readiness crisis. That reality shaped the central focus of the 2nd Future of Jobs Summit™: Next10!, recognised in 2025 as an official T20 Side Event linked to South Africa鈥檚 G20 Presidency.

Rather than positioning itself as another conference filled with abstract policy discussions, the summit was designed as a national strategy platform focused on implementation, collaboration, and future industries.

Throughout the day, speakers repeatedly returned to one central theme: South Africa鈥檚 future competitiveness will depend on how quickly the country can align government, business, education, technology, and investment around scalable job creation ecosystems.

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Hon. Vuyiswa Ramokgopa opened the summit by outlining how Gauteng is working to build a more inclusive growth economy capable of creating opportunities for young people.

Lance Williams, Public Sector Lead at 麻豆原创 South Africa, challenged delegates to rethink how technology and human potential can collectively rewrite South Africa鈥檚 economic story in the age of artificial intelligence.

Melvyn Lubega, Head of the Digital Service Unit in The Presidency, highlighted the growing importance of digital infrastructure and the digital economy in expanding pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for young South Africans.

One of the strongest messages emerging from the summit was that no single sector can solve the unemployment crisis alone.

The 2026 CEO Dialogue™, CHRO Dialogue™, and CMO Dialogue™ brought together business leaders, HR executives, and marketing leaders to discuss practical interventions around youth employability, leadership development, skills alignment, and industry collaboration.

Additional contributions from leaders such as Prof Bismark Tyobeka of North-West University, Marc Lubner of Afrika Tikkun, Faith Mangope of the Faith Mangope Technology & Leadership Institute, and Barry Hendricks of SASCOC reinforced the importance of education, technology, sport, and social innovation in building pathways toward employment and inclusion.

Importantly, the summit was not positioned merely as a discussion platform, but as the beginning of a longer-term national movement around future readiness and collaborative action.

Among the key outcomes announced were:

• The development of a Future Industries Report™ for national stakeholders;
• The creation of a Future of Jobs Charter™ co-authored by delegates;
• New collaboration pathways between business, education, government, and youth-focused organisations;
• Practical recommendations on youth employment, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and future skills development;
• A roadmap positioning South Africa as a continental hub for future industries and innovation.

But perhaps the summit鈥檚 most important contribution was psychological rather than technical. At a time when unemployment statistics dominate national headlines and pessimism increasingly shapes public discourse, the summit sought to reposition South Africa鈥檚 narrative from decline toward possibility.

Because despite the severity of the crisis, South Africa possesses many of the ingredients needed to compete in the future global economy: a sophisticated financial sector, globally respected entrepreneurs, expanding digital infrastructure, deep natural resources, world-class creativity, a strong tourism brand, and one of the youngest populations in the world.

What South Africa lacks is not potential. It lacks alignment.

One of the most powerful historical reminders referenced during the summit was South Africa鈥檚 preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Between 2004 and 2010, the country created approximately three million jobs during a period of coordinated infrastructure investment, tourism growth, and national mobilisation.

The lesson remains relevant today: when South Africa aligns around a compelling national mission, progress accelerates. But the challenge facing the country now is arguably even greater.

South Africa is no longer competing only for tourists or investment flows. It is competing for relevance in a rapidly changing global economy increasingly shaped by technology, sustainability, innovation, and talent mobility.

Countries that fail to reposition themselves around future industries risk being left behind economically, technologically, and socially.

South Africa cannot afford to arrive late once again. Because ultimately, the future of jobs is not only about employment. It is about dignity. It is about inclusion. It is about restoring belief among millions of young South Africans that they still have a meaningful place in the future economy.

And perhaps the most important question raised by yesterday鈥檚 summit is this: Will South Africa continue defending industries of the past 鈥� or will it finally begin building the industries of the future?

Dr Nik Eberl is the founder and executive chair: The Future of Jobs Summit™ (Official T20 Side Event). He is also the author of Nation of Champions: How South Africa won the World Cup of Destination Branding).

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During panel discussions held at the Summit, it was revealed that the worsening unemployment crisis and the rapid rise of  are forcing business leaders, policymakers and youth advocates to confront an urgent reality: traditional approaches to job creation are no longer enough.

With youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 sitting at 45.8%, experts said the country must rethink how it prepares young people for a rapidly changing labour market increasingly shaped by technology, automation and digital skills.

Speaking during discussions focused on the future of work and employability in Africa, business leaders and youth development advocates stressed that collaboration between corporates, government and civil society will be critical to creating sustainable employment pathways.

, Chief Executive Officer of the , one of the panelists at discussions held during the Summit said connecting young people to opportunities and networks is one of the biggest challenges facing the country.

鈥淪kills become more powerful when young people are able to connect to people who can teach them and upskill them,鈥� said Gibbs.

She explained that many young South Africans face fear and uncertainty when trying to enter the workforce, particularly as AI transforms industries and career paths.

鈥淭here is so much fear in trying to find a job. It is all of us that need to do something different,鈥� she said. 鈥淐onnecting skills with opportunities is what we need to look at and AI is a fantastic tool to help you with creating and opening up that conversation.鈥�

Gibbs added that behind the unemployment statistics are real people and communities struggling to find stability and opportunity.

鈥淏ehind these figures there are faces, names and stories,鈥� she said.

They further argued that while AI is often viewed as a threat to employment, it also presents significant opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn new skills.

,聽麻豆原创 Young Professionals Graduate (YPP), Global Government Affairs & CSR Intern at 麻豆原创, said fears around AI replacing jobs often stem from resistance to change.

鈥淭he notion of AI taking jobs comes from the notion of not willing to learn,鈥� Motseta said. 鈥淲e need to learn and adopt as it can assist in daily work lives.鈥�

She encouraged young people to invest in understanding AI and digital tools in order to remain competitive.

鈥淲e should be investing in learning more about AI and to remain up to date,鈥� she said.

During a panel discussion under the banner:聽Creating Jobs in the Age of AI,聽,聽a senior solution advisor and AI specialist at 麻豆原创 said聽organisations and individuals alike need to embrace a mindset shift around reskilling.

鈥淚f we do not come to terms that we need to adapt and reskill, people who are willing will not be left behind,鈥� Sevel said.

The discussions also highlighted the widening digital and skills gap facing corporate South Africa.

, 鈥檚 Tech Consulting Leader and Tech Alliances Leader said many technology firms and banks are already facing ageing skills gaps and increasing demand for digital talent.

鈥淢ost tech and banks have an ageing skills gap,鈥� Shaun said. 鈥淚t requires people to think differently and work together.鈥�

He added that stronger collaboration between businesses is needed to scale meaningful employment interventions.

鈥淔orums such as these are exceptional. We need more corporates in the room with more commitments made,鈥� he said.

The role of infrastructure in enabling long term job creation also emerged as a major theme.

, Head of the Digital Service Unit in the Presidency and chairperson at the , argued that sustainable job creation depends on building strong digital infrastructure rather than relying solely on companies to create jobs directly.

鈥淛ob creation does not come from companies. It comes from infrastructure,鈥� Lubega said.

He pointed to countries such as India, where investment in digital infrastructure unlocked innovation and large scale economic participation.

鈥淪outh Africa has good foundations, a strong banking sector, strong institutions and incredible talent,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut everyone is working in their own silos and we need to come together and collaborate.鈥�

Executives from聽聽also stressed that Africa鈥檚 future workforce will need to adapt rapidly as industries evolve.

, Managing Executive: TalentManagement and Transitions at Absa Group, said Africa鈥檚 future growth story depends on decisions being made now around skills development and employability.

鈥淭he decisions we make every day shape the continent,鈥� Bako said. 鈥淲e need to build the skills of the future and create sustainable jobs.鈥�

According to the World Economic Forum, roughly 60% of Africa鈥檚 workforce will need reskilling in the coming years as technology reshapes industries and business models.

, Chairperson and CEO, warned that the speed of change is leaving many young people underprepared for the realities of modern work.

鈥淭he change that is taking place is chaotic and we are not necessarily equipping young individuals for what is out there,鈥� Mark said.

He argued that businesses, and civil society organisations need to work more closely together to understand the realities facing young communities.

鈥淐ivil society lives on the streets. They have a deep understanding of what the young community wants,鈥� he said.

Amanda Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer of the African 麻豆原创 User Group, one of the panelists at discussions held during the Summit said connecting young people to opportunities and networks is one of the biggest challenges facing the country.

鈥淪kills become more powerful when young people are able to connect to people who can teach them and upskill them,鈥� said Gibbs.

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The latest underscores this imperative. The report identifies the skills gap as the biggest barrier to business transformation worldwide. Simultaneously, the reveals that 52% of global businesses are experiencing acute talent shortages. These findings highlight a stark disconnect: while millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed, businesses are unable to find workers with the right capabilities. The solution is clear 鈥� we need a coordinated, inclusive approach to reskilling and upskilling.

麻豆原创 is supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for South Africa and programs like 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ contribute to the achievement of key SDG Goals in South Africa.

Under South Africa鈥檚 G20鈥檚 Presidency Digital Transformation Strategy echoes this urgency. It prioritizes digital inclusion, human-centric innovation, and a future-ready workforce. This aligns with the growing recognition that economic growth and technological advancement cannot be separated from social equity. Digital skilling must be inclusive, accessible, and focused on creating tangible employment outcomes 鈥� especially for youth and underserved communities.

One promising response to this challenge is the 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ initiative, a flagship 鈥榣earn-to-earn鈥� program spearheaded by 麻豆原创鈥檚 Corporate Social Responsibility team. Launched in South Africa in late 2023, the program provides marginalized individuals 鈥� including non-degree holders 鈥� with foundational and professional digital skills aligned with market demands. Through micro-credentials and 麻豆原创 certification pathways, learners gain the competencies necessary to enter and thrive in the digital economy.

What makes 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ particularly powerful is its systemic approach. The program addresses not just skills and knowledge but also attitudes and values that foster long-term employability. 麻豆原创 partners with nonprofit organizations and education providers to ensure that content is locally relevant and globally recognized. By successfully placing South African learners into real jobs 鈥� 麻豆原创 has demonstrated that skills-based pathways can open doors even in economically strained contexts.

Take Jamie-Lee Gysman, for example. Before joining the program, she lacked direction and confidence in her career path. After completing her 麻豆原创 certification, she successfully entered the workforce and now works as a SuccessFactors Functional Support Consultant at Sanlam. 鈥淏efore joining, I had no clear path forward, but the 麻豆原创 certification opened doors to opportunities I never thought possible,鈥� she shares. 鈥淚 no longer felt limited by my lack of experience or qualifications.鈥� Her story is one of many that demonstrate how accessible, skills-based learning can unlock potential and empower the next generation.

The program which has been incubated in the Global South, is now expanding into the Global North, creating a global network of learners and employers within and beyond the 麻豆原创 ecosystem, proving that solutions born in the Global South can have far-reaching, global impact.

If we are to transform the promise of digital innovation into inclusive prosperity, we must treat skilling as infrastructure. Business, government, and civil society must collaborate to scale effective programs like 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ, integrate them into national strategies, and ensure that every individual 鈥� regardless of background 鈥� has the opportunity to learn, earn, and contribute.

During the Future of Jobs Summit at T20 South Africa 2025, held at the DP World Wanderers in Johannesburg, I shared 麻豆原创 CSR鈥檚 approach to youth employment across the G20. I emphasized that solving the youth employment challenge requires improvements in three key areas: the efficiency of demand planning, the efficiency of supply training, and the efficiency of matching the two.

From Global South to Global North, skilling isn鈥檛 just a policy agenda. It is the cornerstone of equitable growth and resilient transformation.

About the Author:

is the Global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Director at 麻豆原创. He is a member of the World Economic Forum鈥檚 Global Future Council on Jobs and Frontier Technology and serves on the Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies Advisory Committee at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, supporting efforts to bridge education, innovation, and workforce transformation.

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Organised by a coalition of technology leaders, including 麻豆原创, Adcorp, DP World, Workday, and FNB, the summit seeks to unite the country鈥檚 most influential minds in both the public and private sectors.

Future of Jobs Summit founder, , emphasises that this initiative transcends mere discussion.

鈥淚t is not another policy talk shop; it is a high-impact platform for action and alignment,鈥� he states, underscoring the urgency of collective efforts to tackle the pressing issue of youth unemployment.

Eberl believes that 鈥測outh unemployment is the greatest threat to our democracy and the greatest opportunity to unlock national prosperity.鈥�

Central to the summit’s agenda is the unveiling of innovative strategies and programs designed to attract, develop, and retain top talent.

麻豆原创 will take the spotlight with its acclaimed Educate to Employ and Young Professionals Programmes, aimed at equipping thousands of African youths with vital digital skills and pathways to meaningful careers.

鈥淭hese initiatives are helping to create an inclusive talent pipeline that fuels both local innovation and international competitiveness,鈥� Eberl explains.

The summit is an official event under the , the Think Tank of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, reinforcing its alignment with the global agenda for inclusive growth, skills development, and job creation for the youth.

With the outcomes report set to be presented to key stakeholders, including the Office of the Presidency and Parliament of South Africa, the summit aims to foster robust public-private partnerships.

Further addressing the overarching theme of inclusivity, the initiative will spotlight South Africa’s thriving Global Business Services (GBS) sector.

This sector is lauded as a success story in job creation, having already generated over 150,000 youth jobs and targeting an impressive 500 000 jobs by 2030 with strong support from government and global investors.

鈥淕BS illustrates the potential that thrives when government, business, and skills providers align around a shared goal.

We must now apply that same formula across high-growth sectors from tech and tourism to renewable energy and the care economy,鈥� Eberl urges.

As the summit approaches, anticipation builds around its potential to create scalable solutions and partnerships that can turn the tide on South Africa鈥檚 high unemployment rate.

With a firm focus on youth employment and digital skills development, the Future of Jobs Summit stands as a beacon of hope in the ongoing effort to build a more resilient and inclusive workforce. Scheduled for May 23, 2025, the summit is set to bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society to address South Africa鈥檚 unemployment crisis with actionable strategies and innovative partnerships.

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