The ability to supervise and manage AI-powered agents, from chatbots and virtual assistants to autonomous systems, robots, and connected devices, is expected to become a defining workforce skill over the next five years.
This insight comes from KPMG’s Global Tech Report 2026, which examines how the rapid emergence of agentic artificial intelligence is reshaping productivity, operational models, and decision-making across industries worldwide.
AI Agent Oversight Moves to the Forefront
According to the report, 92% of global industry leaders say that managing AI agents will be a critical capability within the next five years. As organisations increasingly deploy autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, attention is shifting from adoption to effective control, coordination, and governance.
Agentic AI, technology that can independently plan, execute tasks, and respond to changing conditions, is redefining how work is structured and delivered. This evolution is pushing leaders to prioritise skills that enable humans to guide, monitor, and optimise AI-driven workflows.
Global Scope of the Research
The findings are based on a survey of 2,500 senior technology executives across 27 countries, offering a broad view of enterprise AI readiness. Regional participation included:
- 43% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
- 29% from Asia-Pacific (ASPAC)
- 28% from the Americas
Respondents came from eight major sectors, including telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, government, and technology.
Talent Gaps Replace Technology Gaps
While artificial intelligence is now viewed as essential to business competitiveness, KPMG notes that organisations are moving beyond experimentation toward deep integration of AI into core operations, products, and services.
However, the report highlights a growing challenge: skills shortages. Despite rising investment, 53% of organisations say they lack the talent required to fully deliver on their digital transformation ambitions.
People Determine the Return on AI Investment
Commenting on the findings, Marshal Luusa, Partner and Technology & Innovation Lead at KPMG One Africa, emphasised that the true value of AI depends on workforce preparedness.
“Productivity and growth will ultimately be shaped by how well organisations invest in digital skills,” Luusa said, adding that success depends on workforce readiness, leadership alignment, and disciplined execution.
He noted that companies that prioritise human–AI collaboration, continuous upskilling, and adaptive leadership are more likely to translate innovation into sustainable economic outcomes.
Pursuit of Advanced AI Maturity Accelerates
The report shows that 68% of global leaders are actively targeting the highest level of AI maturity within their organisations. Supporting this ambition:
- 88% of companies are already investing in autonomous digital agents
- 84% of tech leaders say their AI initiatives are delivering measurable benefits, including improved efficiency and reduced risk
As a result, AI is increasingly embedded into core decision-making processes, value creation, and customer-facing solutions.
Partnerships Seen as Key to Closing Skills Gaps
To overcome workforce capability challenges, many organisations plan to expand partnerships across technology ecosystems in the coming year. These alliances are expected to provide access to specialised skills, accelerate innovation, and support knowledge sharing.
Additionally, roughly one-third of tech executives intend to boost spending on digital infrastructure, strengthen team adaptability, and improve organisational agility. Leaders also acknowledged the need to take greater calculated risks in adopting emerging technologies to remain competitive.
“The advantage no longer comes from having the technology,” Luusa said. “It comes from building the skills, governance frameworks, and operating models needed to scale AI responsibly.”
