AI has made software creation faster and more accessible, but speed is not the same as quality. The competitive advantage is shifting from who can write code to who can define the problem, guide the build, test the output, manage risk and keep the system maintainable. Euphoria Telecom technology director Nic Laschinger says there are five key factors to consider before using AI to develop software.
1. AI-built software is already here
The 2025 South African GenAI Roadmap found that GenAI adoption among large local enterprises had climbed to 67% in 2025, up from 45% in 2024. Code generation is also gaining ground, with 36% of respondents already using GenAI for this purpose, up from 24% in 2024. Yet only 14% had a clearly defined strategy for integrating GenAI into business operations. In other words, most local businesses are still working out how to manage the risks that come with AI.
2. Software expertise is becoming more strategic
Gartner predicts that by 2028, 90% of enterprise software engineers will use AI code assistants, up from less than 14% in early 2024. The developer role will shift from implementation to orchestration, with more focus on problem-solving, system design and making sure AI tools produce quality outcomes.
