Overcoming Mexico’s IT Talent Gap to Boost Tech Growth

Contrary to global concerns, AI adoption in Mexico is not triggering mass layoffs in the technology sector. Instead, the critical barrier to growth is a severe shortage of specialized tech talent. According to ManpowerGroup, Mexico will face a 77% deficit in IT talent by 2025, higher than the 70% shortage across all industries.

This talent gap starts with educational choices. National enrollment remains dominated by traditional degrees like Law, Business Administration, and Psychology. Software Development ranks only eighth in popularity and accounts for 3.4% of professionals, while Computer Science represents just 1.7%, according to IMCO. This underrepresentation of STEM fields limits the pipeline of qualified professionals for IT, data analytics, automation, and engineering roles.

OECD’s recent report on teenage career preparation reveals that despite evolving labor markets, 15-year-olds’ career aspirations remain stagnant, with many still aiming for traditional professions such as doctors, teachers, and lawyers. This inertia risks further widening the skills mismatch, especially among girls and students from advantaged backgrounds, writes MBN. 

Looking ahead, the WEF projects rising demand for cognitive (analytical and creative thinking), technological (AI literacy, digital fluency), and interpersonal (leadership, empathy) skills. Education 4.0 promotes curricula that develop these competencies through personalized, inclusive, collaborative, and lifelong learning.

The real threat is not AI replacing jobs but professionals who fail to adapt being displaced by those who embrace it. Emmanuel Olvera, CEO and Founder, Hireline, explains that AI tools, especially code generation assistants, are transforming workflows, enabling developers to work more efficiently and focus on higher-level problem-solving. YC data shows that 95% of startup projects now integrate AI in code development, shifting demand toward professionals who can collaborate with AI, interpret data, and lead strategic implementation.

Supporting this shift, Coursera reports that 94% of employers prefer candidates with generative AI credentials, and 75% prioritize AI-related skills over traditional experience, according to MBN. 

However, the global study, How the Workforce Learns Gen AI in 2025, developed by Degreed and Harvard Business Publishing reveals that while 48% of professionals expect GenAI to impact their roles, 78% do not feel confident using it effectively. This confidence gap hampers productivity and innovation, as those proficient in GenAI are far more likely to apply it daily and generate measurable business value.

Addressing this challenge requires urgent reskilling and upskilling efforts that extend beyond technical teams to all employees engaged in digital processes. The WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights a major transformation in the labor market by 2030, where 22% of current jobs will be reshaped, 92 million roles will disappear, and 170 million new ones will arise, many blending technical and human skills in “hybrid professions,” writes MBN. Rapid skill obsolescence is a critical challenge, with 39% of workers’ skills expected to become outdated within a decade.

Mexico’s tech sector is not shrinking due to AI but is constrained by a lack of well-prepared professionals. Andrés Sánchez, CEO, Randstad Mexico, highlights that high demand in technology and engineering creates a fierce talent shortage, giving candidates greater negotiation power and forcing companies to rethink their talent strategies.