In 2021, more than 60% of enterprises in the European Union could not fill technology-related vacancies. Globally, companies are feeling the pressure when it comes to skills gaps across IT tech (27%), cloud computing (26%), AI and machine learning (26%), and data analysis and data protection (21%). IDC found that the skills gap has resulted in companies losing out on revenue growth, struggling with quality, and facing lowering customer satisfaction scores. Globally, the company predicts that by 2026, more than 90% of companies will feel the burn of skills shortages to the tune of $5.5 trillion in losses. The skills conundrum, says Mandla Mbonambi, CEO of Africonology, remains a burning issue for companies, made even more challenging as emerging technologies demand cutting-edge technical expertise.

“The availability of this expertise, especially in complex and evolving industries, is decreasing exponentially,” he says. “Companies want talent that can help them leverage cloud, dig into artificial intelligence (AI), benefit from their data and achieve meaningful outcomes, but these skilled individuals are in high demand and their limited availability means they often come at a high cost.”

However, as IDC pointed out, technical expertise gaps within the business can impact a company’s innovation and competitiveness. Organisations can’t compete if they don’t have the skills that allow them to deftly manoeuvre through the complexities and potential of AI, data, machine learning, automation and cloud. As companies strive to stay competitive, they need to assess the technical expertise gaps and find smart ways of overcoming these gaps so they can drive their business forward.

“The first step is to conduct a thorough assessment of the technical expertise gaps within the business,” says Mbonambi. “This involves identifying the skills and knowledge currently present within the business and forecasting the skills you will most likely need to help you achieve your business objectives. This assessment doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly complex – you just need visibility into your existing talent pool and clarity around what skills are needed to ensure you remain competitive.”

Once your business has identified the gaps, you need to develop strategies to close them. You can take a more traditional approach – hire new talent in a highly competitive market – or you can create a hybrid approach that allows you to build on existing talent while tapping into an agile pool of outsourced expertise. This is a far more flexible approach that also gives you more control over budgets and internal skills development.

“The hybrid method gives you the space you need to create an ecosystem of internal skills development without losing ground as this takes shape,” explains Mbonambi. “Essentially, you collaborate with an outsourced partner that has the talent. It’s a strategic partnership that immediately fills the skills gaps you have in the business with trained people who understand the technology and your business needs. You can then bypass the need to undertake an expensive and extensive recruitment programme and give yourself time to nurture and upskill your existing employees.”

These partnerships allow you to rapidly scale your technical capabilities and adapt to new challenges and market demands without losing ground. With Africonology, this approach goes beyond simply filling skills gaps, it involves a strategic alignment of technical expertise with your overall business strategy. And when you have access to world-class expertise – especially in industries where technological advancement drives market leadership – the ability to quickly innovate and implement cutting-edge solutions is hard to quantify.

“Your organisation can accelerate product development cycles because you have access to specialised knowledge that helps you overcome technical hurdles more efficiently,” says Mbonambi. “You can also integrate outsourced expertise into your strategic planning and execution – their understanding of the technology and its implications can help you refine your objectives and ensure they are realistic, and future-proof.”

The new possibilities, fresh approaches, and unexpected viewpoints provided by outsourced experts can help companies reimagine their potential, discover new markets, and refine their innovations. However, it is important to note that bridging the expertise gap requires more than just accessing external knowledge – it is a holistic approach that recognises the value of talent within a culture of shared growth.

“Companies need to continuously reassess and refine the alignment between technical capabilities and business objectives,” concludes Mbonambi. “This always-on approach means your collaborations with strategic partners will consistently deliver value, and that you will build a talent cycle that puts your business on the fast track to the future.”