Ability to manage AI agents will be a crucial skill by 2031 – Report

Tech leaders and executives across various industries globally have suggested that the ability to manage AI agents such as chatbots, virtual assistants, robots, and smart home devices will be a defining skill within the next 5 years.

This is according to a Global Tech Report 2026 by KPMG, a company that provides audit, tax and advisory services.

The resolution comes amid the rise of agentic AI and its ability to define work pace for increased productivity. According to the report, 92% of global industry leaders said that managing AI agents will become an important skill within 5 years.

In its methodology, the report embarked on a survey of 2,500 tech executives from 27 countries, including 43% from Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); 29% from Asia-Pacific (ASPAC); and 28% from the Americas.

Senior tech executives across eight major industries, such as telecoms, finance, healthcare, and government, were used as respondents in the study. 

While leaders continue to see artificial intelligence as a necessity in their business operations, organisations worldwide are increasingly seeking to embed AI into their core workflows and offerings. The report noted that leaders now see the ability to build skills as a prerequisite to managing AI capabilities.

Reacting to the findings, Marshal Luusa, Partner, Technology & Innovation Lead, KPMG One Africa, explained that investment in the digital skills of the workforce will determine the pace of productivity and growth. He noted that the real determinant of value lies in workforce readiness, executive alignment, and disciplined execution. 

“Those that invest early in digital skills, human-AI collaboration, and adaptive leadership will be best positioned to translate innovation into sustainable commercial and economic impact,” he added. 

As human expertise remains central to digital transformation initiatives, the report stated that organisations surveyed are making significant investments in upskilling their workforce, building adaptive teams that promote change. This shows that organisations are working to embrace human expertise for their digital transformation.

However, 53% of organisations report they still lack the talent needed to realise their digital transformation goals. In turn, this makes empowering employees to innovate and adapt to technological advancement a key tool for a successful company.

“The differentiator is no longer access to technology, but the ability to build the skills, governance, and operating models required to scale it responsibly,” Marshal Luusa said. 

Also Read: Report: 88% of Nigerian adults use AI chatbots, far ahead of global average.

Tech companies investment in AI

With artificial intelligence recognised as a core business driver, 68% of leaders said that they are aiming for the highest level of AI maturity in their organisations. As such, 88% of companies are already investing in autonomous digital agents to transform their operations and decision-making. 

In fact, the report said 84% of tech leaders said that their AI initiatives are creating measurable business value, such as improved efficiency and reduced risk. With this, leaders are working to embed artificial intelligence into products, services, and value delivery.

To overcome existing challenges with up-skilling their workforce with digital skills, global leaders plan to leverage partnerships with other tech ecosystems over the next year. They are aiming to bank on strategic alliances which enables specialized expertise, rapid innovation, and shared best practices.

Also, about one-third of tech executives are planning to increase investment in digital infrastructure, build team cohesion and ability to adapt to new changes. Organisations agreed they must take more risks on the adoption of emerging technologies to stay relevant in their respective industries. 

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