Zim Companies Urge CEOs to Replace IT Workers with AI Amid Tough Economic Times
Zim Companies Urge CEOs to Replace IT Workers with AI Amid Tough Economic Times Zimbabwean companies are increasingly urging their executives to embrace AI-driven strategies — and for many IT professionals, that could mean job cuts. Following the global trend, the wave of IT layoffs that began in 2024 is showing signs of reaching our shores, driven by the pursuit of efficiency and the looming fear of an economic slowdown. Globally, over 238,000 IT jobs were lost in 2024, With another 76,000 already gone in early 2025, and the ripple effects are starting to be felt locally. Many Zimbabwean boards of directors are reportedly pushing CEOs to reduce operational costs by as much as 20%, largely through replacing routine IT roles with AI systems. According to HR and recruitment professionals, these decisions are motivated not just by cost-saving, but also by a shift toward more agile, AI-powered business models. “Companies are under pressure to stay competitive — whether in banking, telecoms, or logistics — and AI is seen as a fast-track to that,” said one Harare-based IT recruiter. May Set the Tone May was a defining month globally. Microsoft laid off 6,000 workers, stating that AI now writes 30% of its internal code. Walmart followed with 1,500 job cuts, many of them affecting tech teams. IBM wasn’t far behind, reportedly letting go of 8,000 employees, especially in roles like HR that AI can now support or even fully automate.Back home, some large local firms are starting to take similar steps — quietly phasing out IT roles considered “low-skill” or “easily automated,” such as data entry clerks, desktop support, and system testers. Recession Planning + AI Efficiency Even as global forecasts like J.P. Morgan revise down the likelihood of a 2025 recession, Zimbabwean companies remain cautious. Exchange rate volatility, limited access to forex, and high operating costs are forcing firms to look inward for savings. AI is increasingly viewed as a solution that delivers long-term productivity gains without the recurring cost of salaries and benefits. “It’s no longer a matter of if companies will adopt AI, but when — and who’ll be left behind,” said a senior manager at a local telecom firm. IT Job Market Shifting — AI Skills Dominate Career experts say companies are moving away from mass hiring in IT and toward selective recruitment, focusing on hybrid professionals who combine domain knowledge with AI capabilities. “Someone with product understanding and practical AI skills can name their price today,” said a representative from a local job-matching platform. “We’re seeing increased demand for roles like AI product managers, prompt engineers, and cloud automation experts — even from SMEs and startups.” Experts advise Zimbabwean IT professionals to urgently upskill in AI, automation tools, and cloud services to stay relevant. Entry-level cybersecurity analysts, manual QA testers, and general IT support agents are particularly at risk of displacement. “Jobs that follow predictable patterns or can be scripted are being handed over to bots,” said Nic Adams, CEO of a global cybersecurity automation firm. “We’re entering a world where AI handles the triage faster than any junior support technician ever could.” It’s About Transformation, Not Just RetrenchmentWhile some companies still see AI as a cost-cutting tool, others are using it to unlock growth and digital innovation. One local fintech executive said, “We’re not firing our people to replace them with AI — we’re hiring those who know how to use AI to scale our services.” Still, systemic automation continues to reshape IT departments. For Zimbabwean firms — especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, logistics, and retail — this may just be the beginning of a much larger shift. Software Programing AN By Anesu Ndamuka Start Learning « Previous Next »
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Digital Skills Development
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Digital Skills Development What is Artificial Intelligence ? Artificial intelligence is a field of science concerned with building computers and machines that can reason, learn, and act in such a way that would normally require human intelligence or that involves data whose scale exceeds what humans can analyze. Shaping Digital Skills Through Artificial IntelligenceArtificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping digital skills across industries. LinkedIn reported a 91% growth in AI-related skills in 2020, highlighting the increasing demand for AI expertise. The World Economic Forum predicts AI and automation will boost global GDP by 10% by 2025, underscoring the necessity for individuals to acquire these skills to stay competitive in an evolving job market. Revolutionizing Digital Skills with AIAI is a catalyst for upskilling and reskilling in today’s job market. The World Economic Forum forecasts AI will create 133 million new roles by 2022. Companies leveraging AI for skills development can unlock $4.5 trillion annually, according to McKinsey. AI-powered learning platforms, like IBM’s, report a 37% increase in course completion rates, showcasing the power of AI in personalizing and enhancing learning outcomes. AI’s Transformative Role in Digital Skills EvolutionAI is revolutionizing digital skills by creating new opportunities and reshaping existing roles. By 2022, AI is expected to generate 133 million jobs globally. McKinsey estimates 375 million workers may need to switch occupations due to AI-driven changes. For instance, AI in healthcare, such as medical imaging systems, has enhanced diagnostic accuracy, demonstrating its capacity to redefine skills and improve outcomes. Enhancing Digital Skill Acquisition with AIAI-driven tools enhance learning by personalizing experiences and increasing efficiency by up to 50%, according to the World Economic Forum. Platforms like Coursera use AI to improve course completion rates by 25%, offering learners tailored recommendations. This highlights AI’s role in democratizing education and enhancing skills acquisition globally.Navigating AI’s Impact on Digital Skills DevelopmentThe adoption of AI and automation necessitates widespread upskilling, with 54% of employees requiring significant training by 2022, as per the World Economic Forum. AI-driven education systems have improved student engagement by 30% and digital proficiency by 20%, demonstrating their transformative potential in education and workforce readiness. The Intersection of AI and Digital Skills EnhancementAI offers tailored learning pathways through data-driven analysis of individual needs. Studies reveal a 30% improvement in engagement and retention when AI-powered tools are employed. This emphasizes AI’s role in fostering adaptive and effective skill development in an evolving digital landscape. Empowering Individuals with AI-Driven Skill AdvancementAI in education improves learning outcomes by 30% and retention rates by 46%, according to UNESCO. AI-driven training programs increase job placement rates by 25% and salaries by 20%, underscoring their tangible benefits. AI empowers individuals to excel in a competitive digital era. Conclusion AI is revolutionizing digital skills development by personalizing learning, accelerating skill acquisition, and bridging skill gaps. Its transformative potential hinges on ethical and responsible implementation, prioritizing critical thinking, creativity, and human-centered competencies. By embracing AI, we can build a digitally skilled workforce equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.