Global demand for software engineers is rising, with regions like India and Africa seeing growth despite recent layoffs in large US tech companies, particularly within the FAANG group (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google).
It’s easy to assume that the job market is contracting for tech talent. But, in reality, there is a notable shift in the global software engineering job market.
As Muneeb Dev writes in his article “Software Development Job Market India 2025: Salaries, Growth, AI & Full Stack Demand”, the Indian software development job market in 2025 is healthy, diverse, and full of opportunity. Projected IT sector growth is set to rise by 15–20%, while global software engineering demand is expected to grow by 17% through 2033.
Key Drivers of Growth: Digital Transformation; AI Integration; Cloud Migration, Startup Ecosystem Boom, Expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCC)
This combination of factors is propelling regions like India and Africa to the forefront of the global tech market, even as the US struggles to maintain its dominance
Contrasting Markets: US vs. India and Africa
So, why is AI having a different impact on these two regions? As pointed out in his LinkedIn post by David Stephania, founder of ThirstySprout, “The biggest threat to US tech jobs isn't AI. It's 5.4M Indian engineers willing to work twice the hours for a fraction of the cost of US engineers.”
Stephania argues that US tech companies are not just seeking lower costs but also workers who are aligned with long hours and a corporate culture that suits executive demands. This phenomenon of cultural arbitrage is playing a huge role in shifting talent to countries like India and, increasingly, Africa.
Africa’s Growing Role
Africa, especially Nigeria, is emerging as a strong contender in the global tech scene. With the rise of global remote work, African developers are earning competitive salaries from international companies, pushing local firms to improve their offers to retain top talent.
By 2028, India is expected to have the largest developer population, but Africa’s tech sector is also growing strong.
What’s Next?
India, Africa, and Latin America are becoming key regions for software engineering talent. If you're considering a career in software engineering, now is the time to get started. The market is expanding, with these regions offering great opportunities for skilled developers
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