What Tech Skills Are in Demand Right Now? Here's What the Data Says

In a fast-moving tech landscape, knowing which programming skills are in demand isn’t just helpful; it’s critical for both companies and developers alike.

At Manisa Consulting, we dove into our talent and client database to uncover what skills are shaping the South African tech hiring market right now. Whether you're a developer thinking about your next upskill move, or a hiring manager planning your next team expansion, here's the latest heatmap of demand.

The Top In-Demand Skills (2025 Snapshot)

 1. .NET (50%)

.NET developers are leading the pack. With ongoing digital transformation in sectors like finance, insurance, and legal tech, businesses need robust backend solutions. .NET Core, API integration, and microservices know-how are especially in high demand.

“.NET isn’t just surviving, heck, it’s thriving.”

2. Java (45%)

Java's still a giant. Enterprises continue to rely on Java for backend stability, particularly in fintech and large-scale transactional systems. Frameworks like Spring Boot and cloud deployment skills give Java devs the edge.

3. Python (40%)

Once a data science darling, Python has now gone mainstream. It's essential not just for AI/ML and automation, but increasingly used in backend development, especially in startups and innovation hubs.

4. Mobile Development (35%)

iOS, Android, and Flutter developers remain valuable. Whether it's fintech apps, e-commerce platforms, or edtech tools, companies are racing to offer a premium mobile experience.

5. SAS (25%)

Though modern analytics tools are on the rise, SAS remains entrenched in banks, insurance firms, and government sectors. If there's a need for risk modelling or compliance reporting, SAS still commands respect.

6. SAP (20%)

SAP may seem niche, but it’s the quiet powerhouse behind many enterprise systems. With more companies migrating to S/4HANA, skilled SAP consultants are increasingly in demand for those high-stakes transformation projects.

What This Means for Hiring & Upskilling

If you’re hiring:

• Focus your recruitment efforts on securing .NET, Java, or Python talent early, why? Competition is fierce.

• Don’t overlook mobile developers, they’re crucial for customer engagement.

If you’re a developer:

• Want job security? .NET and Java still dominate.

• Want future-proofing? Learn Python and cloud-based DevOps tools.

• Already in SAS or SAP? Consider hybrid roles that bridge legacy and modern tech.

How We Help

At Manisa Consulting, we specialize in placing top-tier tech talent with companies that value innovation and stability. Whether you're a company struggling to find the right developer or a dev looking to level up, we’re the bridge between potential and placement.

 Takeaway:

.NET, Java, and Python dominate the development space, with growing demand for cloud-native and microservice architectures. Mobile and legacy systems like SAS and SAP still play a strategic role in specific sectors. These insights should guide both our candidate sourcing strategies and our client advisory services.