Brazil's AI Investments Shift from Experimentation to Strategic Business Growth
Brazil is accelerating AI investments, shifting from trials to substantial business impact with ROI projected to double by 2027 despite challenges in integration and readiness.
- • AI ROI in Brazil is currently 16%, projected to rise to 31% by 2027.
- • Annual AI investment in Brazil is expected to grow by 36% to $19.3 million by 2027.
- • 69% of Brazilian companies report improved productivity and decision-making due to AI.
- • Only 1% of companies feel fully prepared to scale autonomous AI agents despite high expectations.
Key details
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Brazil is rapidly moving beyond the experimental stage to become a key driver of business growth and productivity. A recent global study titled "Value of AI" by SAP and Oxford Economics reveals that the average return on investment (ROI) for AI in Brazilian companies currently stands at 16% and is expected to nearly double to 31% by 2027. This growth trajectory positions Brazil among the most advanced markets for leveraging AI to generate business value.
Brazilian companies currently invest around $14.2 million annually in AI, with projections indicating a 36% increase to $19.3 million by 2027. This rate is comparable to major global markets like Germany and the UK. The study surveyed 200 leaders from medium and large firms across various sectors and found that 69% of Brazilian executives report improvements in productivity, decision-making, and customer engagement due to AI, surpassing the global average of 59%.
Operational areas where AI adoption is strongest include supply chain management, finance, sales, and human resources. Moreover, 78% of Brazilian leaders view autonomous agents—AI systems capable of independent action—as having significant transformative potential. However, only 1% of companies feel fully ready to scale such technologies, highlighting challenges in preparedness and integration.
Concerns remain regarding data integration and security, with 70% of executives expressing low confidence in internal data practices and 60% regarding external partnerships. The prevalence of "Shadow AI," where employees use unauthorized AI tools, was reported by 66% of companies, posing additional risks. Rui Botelho, president of SAP Brazil, emphasized the need for governed data, skilled personnel, and clear processes to fully realize AI's benefits in the Brazilian business landscape.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.