By Linet Amuli - Reporter
Kenya, 17 January 2026 - Global spending on artificial intelligence is expected to reach $2.52 trillion in 2026, a 44% increase compared to 2025, according to new projections from Gartner, Inc. a leading global research and advisory firm
The growth reflects AI’s shift from experimental projects to core enterprise infrastructure, even as organizations become more selective about where and how they invest.
Gartner highlights that adoption is increasingly driven by organisational readiness, including skills, processes, and measurable outcomes.
Many enterprises are moving past what analysts call the “Trough of Disillusionment,” favoring AI solutions offered by established software vendors rather than high-risk, standalone projects. This trend signals a growing focus on practical, predictable returns as AI becomes more deeply embedded in business operations.
AI infrastructure is a major driver of the spending surge. Investments in AI-optimized servers alone are expected to rise by 49% in 2026, accounting for roughly 17% of total AI expenditure. Overall, infrastructure spending is projected to contribute $401 billion in 2026, underlining the significant capital requirements for building enterprise-grade AI systems.
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By segment, AI infrastructure remains the largest category, growing from approximately $965 billion in 2025 to $1.37 trillion in 2026, with forecasts suggesting it could reach $1.75 trillion by 2027.
AI services are projected to rise to nearly $589 billion, while AI software spending is expected to reach $452 billion. Other areas experiencing rapid growth include AI cybersecurity, AI model development, data science and machine learning platforms, and AI application development tools.
Overall, Gartner predicts that worldwide AI spending will climb from $1.76 trillion in 2025 to $3.34 trillion by 2027. The firm emphasizes that long-term success will depend on disciplined execution, proven use cases, and integrating AI into core business processes rather than isolated initiatives.
Gartner will present more insights into AI, data, and analytics trends at its 2026 Data & Analytics Summits, scheduled in cities including Orlando, São Paulo, London, Tokyo, Sydney, and Mumbai. These events will offer guidance for organisations refining AI strategies in an increasingly infrastructure-driven market.
