Tech executives double down on AI, talent, and adaptive strategies to lead in the Intelligence Age

As organisations worldwide shift gears in the digital landscape, KPMG's Global Tech Report 2026 unveiled that the race towards embedding artificial intelligence (AI) into core workflows is accelerating.

The report reveals that while expectations for AI technology are soaring, the journey to scalability can be fraught with complexity and varying returns.

According to the findings, a significant 68% of organisations surveyed are determined to reach the highest level of AI maturity by the end of 2026, a stark contrast to the mere 24% achieving this benchmark today.

Furthermore, an overwhelming 88% are investing in the development of agentic AI—autonomous systems that are set to revolutionise operations and decision-making processes.

“The future belongs to leaders who turn intelligence into advantage,” said Guy Holland, Global Leader at KPMG’s CIO Center of Excellence. “Our research indicates that after the initial phases of speculative investment, organisations are now focussing on delivering tangible value driven by disciplined execution.”

The report highlights a disparity between aspiration and execution; while 74% of organisations report that AI initiatives are creating measurable business value, only a quarter (24%) manage to harness that into consistent return on investment (ROI) across multiple use cases.

AI: A strategic necessity for maturity

The relevance of AI has transcended industry buzzwords and is now perceived as a strategic necessity.

High-performing organisations report an impressive average ROI of 4.5 times, which is more than double the industry average.

Small firms, those facing fewer cost pressures, and transformation-oriented entities are also reaping the benefits, showcasing a clear trend where mature IT frameworks foster robust returns.

However, the report warns of the need for a broader view of success metrics, urging leaders to move beyond traditional profitability indicators and embrace a comprehensive approach to capturing AI's full potential.

The pivotal role of talent and agility

While technology evolves rapidly, human expertise remains a cornerstone of successful digital transformation.

Despite the integration of agentic AI, companies largely anticipate that 42% of their tech workforce will comprise permanent human roles by 2027, indicating a sustained reliance on human talent.

High-performing firms project even greater retention rates, further underscoring the significance of human input amid an era of automation.

Notably, the ability to manage AI agents is predicted to become a critical skill within five years, as organisations invest fundamentally in upskilling and fostering adaptive teams to meet future challenges.

Partnerships: A route to innovation

The survey reveals that 90% of organisations intend to enhance their strategic partnerships and technology ecosystems.

The ability to collaborate across professional boundaries is increasingly viewed as essential for overcoming technological challenges and accelerating innovation.

Many executives are thus focusing on bolstering centres of excellence, promoting collaboration, and nurturing cross-functional teams that invigorate growth.

Preparing for the future

With advancements such as quantum computing on the horizon, the report advocates for a balanced approach to innovation, encouraging organisations to take measured risks on emerging technologies.

A notable 78% of executives agree that embracing risks is necessary to remain relevant.

“Those that invest in the intersection of technology and talent will be best positioned to translate innovation into sustainable economic impact,” remarks Marshal Luusa, Partner at KPMG One Africa.

The Global Tech Report culminates in a compelling call to action: leaders must align ambition with execution, cultivating a workforce that is not only tech-savvy but also adept in navigating the complexities of the future.

BUSINESS REPORT