Brief
Executives say cloud and AI need clear business goals to deliver value
C‑suite leaders at a TechCentral‑Microsoft roundtable warned that cloud and AI alone do not guarantee returns.
By Felo News Desk · Published
At a roundtable hosted by TechCentral with Cloud On Demand and Microsoft on 3 September 2026, senior executives argued that cloud and AI investments will not automatically generate business value unless tied to clear objectives.
What happened
The discussion, titled “The Margin Illusion,” focused on the misconception that adopting cloud and AI automatically yields returns. Participants said organisations often rush to deploy technology before defining the problem they aim to solve, turning technology into an end rather than a means.
What the reports add
TechCentral reported that executives identified three pillars—people, processes and data—as essential for successful transformation. The forum highlighted that people‑related issues, such as skills development and change management, are frequently overlooked despite heavy spending on platforms.
What was said
One unnamed executive told TechCentral, “Technology can be implemented in weeks, but changing behaviour and embedding new ways of working takes considerably longer.” Another participant added, “Governance is not merely a compliance obligation but a value driver that protects the organisation from future harm.”
How it came about
The roundtable built on earlier industry concerns about cloud dependency and vendor lock‑in, echoing themes from Felo’s recent coverage of cloud security in Africa and UAE cyber‑risk studies, which stress the need for strategic planning and risk mitigation when adopting new technologies.
Key facts
- Executives warned that cloud and AI do not automatically create business value. (techcentral.co.za)
- The roundtable was held on 3 September 2026 and hosted by TechCentral with Cloud On Demand and Microsoft. (techcentral.co.za)
- Participants identified people, processes and data as three interconnected pillars for successful transformation. (techcentral.co.za)
- Governance was described as a value driver, not just a compliance requirement. (techcentral.co.za)
Sources
- [1] techcentral.co.za — originally reported as “Cloud and AI won't deliver value on their own, executives warn”
