AI is entering a new phase. Organizations are moving beyond experimentation and looking at how intelligent systems can support day-to-day operations, improve decision-making, and help employees work more effectively. The rise of agentic systems AI tools capable of acting with greater autonomy and context awareness – is accelerating that shift and redefining the CIO agenda.

For technology leaders, the challenge is no longer limited to deploying AI. The focus is now on making AI practical, secure, and useful across the business. That means aligning technology investments with employee needs, operational goals, and long-term business resilience.

Many organizations are still managing fragmented data environments, growing cybersecurity pressures, and aging infrastructure while also responding to demands for faster innovation. At the same time, employees expect technology that simplifies work rather than adding complexity. CIOs are therefore under increasing pressure to create digital workplaces that balance performance, flexibility, and security.

This is where the role of intelligent devices and connected ecosystems is becoming more important. The workplace is no longer defined by a single office or device. Employees need seamless access to tools, insights, and collaboration capabilities wherever work happens. AI-enabled computing experiences can help organizations improve productivity, automate repetitive tasks, strengthen endpoint security, and support more personalized ways of working.

HP believes the future of work depends on technology that is built around people. As organizations adopt AI-enabled systems, the employee experience will become a critical measure of success. CIOs are increasingly evaluating how devices, collaboration tools, and intelligent workflows can help employees focus on higher-value work while reducing friction in everyday tasks.

Trust will remain central to adoption. As AI capabilities expand, organizations must ensure that systems operate responsibly, securely, and transparently. Governance, data privacy, and responsible AI practices are becoming core business priorities rather than technical considerations alone.

The IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2026 arrives at an important moment for technology leaders. Under the theme “The Rise of Agentic Systems,” the event creates an opportunity for CIOs to share practical lessons, discuss emerging priorities, and explore how AI can deliver measurable business impact.

The organizations that succeed in this next phase of AI will be those that combine intelligent technology with human-centered leadership. For CIOs, the opportunity is not simply to adopt new tools, but to shape workplaces where people and technology work better together.