Google Cloud: only 26% of firms see significant AI ROI

A Google Cloud and National Research Group survey of 2,403 executives found that just 26% of enterprises are converting AI investments into significant financial returns, while 58% report moderate gains. PwC data shows 82% of African firms ran AI pilots, but only 23% of CEOs reported revenue growth and 25% saw cost cuts.

• 26% of firms are AI ROI leaders, 58% report steadily increasing returns
• 97% of respondents plan to raise AI spending next fiscal year
• 82% of African firms ran AI pilots, but few scale them enterprise-wide
• Top 20% of companies capture 74% of AI-driven financial returns