Global: KPMG Tech Report points to decisive shift among technology leaders

KPMG’s Global Tech Report 2026 shows that technology leaders are moving past experimentation and beginning to embed artificial intelligence directly into core business operations as competition intensifies in what the firm describes as the “Intelligence Age.”

According to the report, organisations are no longer treating AI as a standalone innovation project. Instead, they are integrating it into everyday workflows to drive efficiency, improve decision-making, and gain competitive advantage. While adoption is accelerating, KPMG notes that scaling AI initiatives brings added complexity, with outcomes varying significantly across organisations.

The report highlights that returns on AI investments depend largely on leadership readiness, access to the right talent, and the ability of organisations to adapt their operating models. Firms that align strategy, people, and processes are more likely to unlock sustained value, while others risk stalling at the pilot stage.

Key findings show that technology executives are increasingly focused on AI integration, workforce transformation, and more adaptive business strategies to support growth, manage emerging risks, and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

With clear implications for businesses in Africa and beyond, the report offers insight into the factors that distinguish organisations that successfully scale AI from those struggling to move beyond experimentation, providing a practical lens for enterprises navigating digital transformation.