The ability to manage artificial intelligence (AI) agents, including chatbots, virtual assistants, autonomous software agents, robots, and smart devices, is set to become one of the most critical workplace skills within the next five years.
This is according to the Global Tech Report 2026 published by KPMG, which highlights how the rise of agentic AI is reshaping productivity, decision-making, and organisational structures across industries.
AI Agent Management Emerging as a Core Skill
The report found that 92% of global industry leaders believe managing AI agents will be an essential skill within five years, as organisations increasingly rely on autonomous and semi-autonomous systems to drive efficiency and scale operations.
Agentic AI, systems capable of acting independently, setting tasks, and adapting to changing environmentsis now influencing how work is structured, paced, and delivered. As a result, leaders are shifting focus from simple AI adoption to effective AI oversight and governance.
Survey Methodology and Global Reach
KPMG surveyed 2,500 senior tech executives across 27 countries as part of the study. Respondents were drawn from major global regions, including:
- 43% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
- 29% from Asia-Pacific (ASPAC)
- 28% from the Americas
The executives represented eight key industries, including telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, government, and technology, providing a broad view of AI readiness across sectors.
Skills, Not Technology, Are the New Bottleneck
While artificial intelligence is now widely seen as a necessity rather than an option, the report notes that organisations are increasingly focused on embedding AI into core workflows, products, and services.
However, leaders now recognise that skills development is the primary prerequisite for managing advanced AI capabilities. Despite significant investments, 53% of organisations surveyed said they still lack the talent required to fully realise their digital transformation goals.
Workforce Readiness Determines AI Value
Reacting to the findings, Marshal Luusa, Partner and Technology & Innovation Lead at KPMG One Africa, said the real determinant of AI-driven value lies in people, not platforms.
“Investment in the digital skills of the workforce will determine the pace of productivity and growth,” Luusa said.
“The real differentiator is workforce readiness, executive alignment, and disciplined execution.”
He added that organisations that invest early in digital skills, human-AI collaboration, and adaptive leadership will be best positioned to convert innovation into long-term commercial and economic impact.
AI Maturity Becomes a Strategic Priority
According to the report, 68% of global leaders are aiming for the highest level of AI maturity within their organisations. As part of this push:
- 88% of companies are already investing in autonomous digital agents
- 84% of tech leaders report that AI initiatives are delivering measurable business value, including improved efficiency and reduced operational risk
As a result, AI is increasingly being embedded directly into value delivery, decision-making, and customer-facing products.
Partnerships and Risk-Taking to Close the Skills Gap
To address ongoing skills shortages, global organisations plan to leverage partnerships across tech ecosystems over the next year. These collaborations are expected to provide access to specialised expertise, accelerate innovation, and enable shared best practices.
In addition, around one-third of tech executives plan to increase investment in digital infrastructure, strengthen team cohesion, and improve organisational adaptability. Leaders also acknowledged the need to take greater risks in adopting emerging technologies to remain competitive.
“The differentiator is no longer access to technology,” Luusa said, “but the ability to build the skills, governance, and operating models required to scale it responsibly.”
