Strategic Sectors

The MICT SETA comprises five interrelated yet distinct sub-sectors, namely: Advertising, Film and Electronic Media, Electronics, Information Technology and Telecommunications. While each sub-sector operates within its own domain, they are increasingly interconnected through digital convergence and the integration of technologies such as telecommunications infrastructure, computing systems, enterprise software, data storage and audio-visual platforms.

 Between 2021 and 2025, the MICT sector recorded steady growth in the number of registered employers, increasing from 29 703 to 32 870, reflecting a 10.7% rise over the period. The Information Technology sub-sector remains the largest, consistently accounting for approximately 47% of employers. Telecommunications follows at 18%, while Advertising contributes 12%. The Film and Electronic Media sub-sector has shown gradual growth in its share of employers, whereas the Electronics sub-sector has experienced a relative decline over the same period.

 The geographical distribution of employers highlights a strong concentration in urban economic hubs. Gauteng dominates the sector, accounting for approximately 57% of employers, followed by the Western Cape at 25% and KwaZulu-Natal at 10%. The remaining provinces collectively contribute less than 10%, underscoring persistent spatial inequalities and the concentration of digital economic activity in metropolitan areas.

 The sector is characterised by a predominance of small enterprises, with approximately 98.6% of employers classified as small (employing fewer than 50 employees). This structure reflects both the accessibility of entry into certain segments of the digital economy and the growing role of small and medium enterprises in driving innovation and employment.

 In terms of employment, the MICT sector has experienced notable fluctuations over the 2021–2025 period. Employment increased significantly from 186 421 in 2021 to a peak of 300 625 in 2024, before declining to 202 338 in 2025. This volatility is partly attributed to variations in WSP/ATR submissions as well as broader economic and industry dynamics.

 Employment is also geographically concentrated, with Gauteng accounting for approximately 74% of the workforce by 2025, followed by the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Together, these provinces continue to dominate employment in the sector.

 With respect to demographics, according to the 2025/2026 WSP/ATR data, the sector workforce is predominantly African (51%), followed by White employees (27%), with Coloured and Indian employees comprising 13% and 9% respectively. While this reflects some level of transformation, disparities remain. Gender distribution indicates a persistent imbalance, with males accounting for 56% of employees compared to 44% females, suggesting limited progress in gender equity within the sector.