South African enterprises are rapidly adopting Generative AI but without formal strategies, study finds

SOUTH African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, but most are doing so without formal strategies, dedicated leadership, or the infrastructure required to maximise value and minimise risk.

- PHILIPPA LARKIN

This is the key finding of the South African Generative AI Roadmap 2025, based on a study by World Wide Worx in collaboration with Dell Technologies and Intel. Arthur Goldstuck, the CEO of World Wide Worx and principal analyst of the study, released the report on Thursday.

The report, which surveys over 100 mid-sized and large enterprises across industry sectors, shows that GenAI adoption has climbed from 45% of large enterprises in 2024 to 67% in 2025.

This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. However, in a rush to adopt the fast-growing technology, there is a need for organisations to take the foundational steps of planning and governance. Doing so will more clearly connect AI to people and processes and help organisations reap genuine, sustaining return on investment.