Tech executives double down on AI, talent and adaptive strategies
Organisations worldwide are moving beyond pilots and embedding artificial intelligence (AI) into core workflows, according to KPMG’s Global Tech Report 2026. The report highlights that while adoption is rapid, scaling AI introduces complexity and returns vary widely.Sixty-eight per cent of organisations aim to reach the highest level of AI maturity by the end of 2026, yet only 24 per cent have achieved this today. Eighty-eight per cent are investing in agentic AI – autonomous systems that transform operations and decision-making. While 74 per cent report business value from AI, only 24 per cent achieve ROI across multiple use cases.
“Leaders who turn intelligence into advantage will succeed in the Intelligence Age,” said Guy Holland, Global Leader, CIO Centre of Excellence, KPMG International. “Our research shows that organisations moving past scattered AI experiments are increasingly focused on delivering value. When ambition meets disciplined execution, ROI compounds.”
Africa’s tech landscape is defined less by access to technology than by the ability to build skills, governance, and operating models to scale responsibly. Marshal Luusa, KPMG Partner and Technology & Innovation Lead, One Africa, says organisations investing early in digital skills, human-AI collaboration, and adaptive leadership will best translate innovation into sustainable commercial and economic impact.
Key findings
Tech maturity accelerates: Half of global tech leaders expect to reach the highest technology maturity in 2026, compared with 11 per cent today. High performers report an average ROI of 4.5x, more than double the industry average.
AI adoption surges: AI is now a strategic necessity. Leaders are shifting from experimentation to large-scale deployment, embedding AI into products, services, and operations.
Talent and agility remain central: Despite AI growth, human expertise is crucial. Organisations expect 42 per cent of tech workforces to remain permanent by 2027. Ninety-two per cent anticipate that managing AI agents will be a key skill. Talent shortages persist, with 53 per cent reporting gaps in skills required to execute digital strategies.
Strategic partnerships fuel growth: Ninety per cent of organisations plan to expand partnerships and tech ecosystems to accelerate innovation and co-creation. One-third are investing in centres of excellence to support cross-functional teams and experimentation.
Preparing for tomorrow: Leaders are taking bold risks with emerging technologies, including quantum computing and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). Seventy-eight per cent agree that embracing risk is essential to remain relevant.
The report, “Leading in the Intelligence Age: Excelling Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” draws on a survey of 2 500 executives across 27 countries and eight industries, supplemented with interviews from senior corporate leaders. It highlights the strategies of high-performing organisations, offering a roadmap for companies seeking to turn AI and technological investment into lasting value.
