Major tech companies plan to spend $700 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026. This is 70% more than the $410 billion in 2025. The World Economic Forum report highlights the race for scalable AI value chains.

According to the WEF report 'Building Resilient and Scalable AI Value Chains', investments in AI infrastructure will soar to $700 billion this year. This is a response to the growing demand for computational power from leaders like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google. Today's data is critical for the Central Asia IT market, where local outsourcers are integrating AI into business processes. The U.S. stock market is falling amid inflation, but AI investments remain a growth driver.

Growth in AI Infrastructure Investment by Big Tech

Major tech giants, including Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia, are accelerating capital expenditures in AI. According to WEF, total spending will reach $700 billion in 2026, up from $410 billion the previous year. This reflects the need to create sustainable supply chains for chips, data centers, and cloud services.

Nvidia, the leader in GPU supplies for AI, has already recorded record shipments in Q1 2026. Microsoft is investing $100 billion in new data centers, and Google is expanding its cloud infrastructure by 50%. Such spending stimulates the global semiconductor market, where production volume is expected to grow by 25%.

For businesses, this means access to powerful AI models at reduced prices. Companies like Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) are already using these resources to develop custom solutions. In Kazakhstan, demand for AI outsourcing has grown by 40% over the year, according to local associations.

These investments minimize the risks of supply chain disruptions, as seen in 2024-2025 due to chip shortages. The WEF recommends a 'nexus strategy' — integrating suppliers for scaling.

Impact on Big Tech Stocks and Reports

Despite the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq falling by 2-3% following the CPI report on May 12, 2026, the AI sector shows resilience. Nvidia holds at historic highs, Microsoft loses only 1%, and Amazon loses 1.37%. Investors focus on the long-term potential of AI.

Diamondback Energy exceeded profit forecasts in Q1 2026, but shares fell — similar to the tech sector. CS Disco reported revenue of $41.9 million (+14% year-over-year), with software growth of 12% and services by 25%. This demonstrates how AI integration boosts efficiency even in niche markets.

Apple and Tesla are preparing reports: Apple is investing $50 billion in AI for iOS 20, and Tesla is investing $20 billion in Dojo supercomputers. Such spending ensures leadership in autonomous driving and personalized services. For Central Asia, this is an opportunity: IT services exports to the U.S. grew by 35% in 2025.

Companies like Alashed IT help Kazakhstani businesses integrate these technologies, reducing costs by 30% compared to in-house development.

Regulatory Challenges for the AI Market

The EU and the U.S. are tightening rules for AI: the EU AI Act came into force in February 2026, requiring audits of high-risk systems. In the U.S., the SEC is investigating insider trading in tech amid AI hype. This increases compliance costs for Big Tech by 15-20%.

Google faces antitrust lawsuits for $2 billion, Microsoft faces Azure audits. Nvidia is under scrutiny for its dominance in GPUs (85% of the market). Regulations slow innovation but stimulate investment in local data centers.

In Central Asia, Kazakhstan adopts the 'On AI' law in April 2026, harmonizing with the EU. This opens doors for outsourcing: Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) is certified under the new standards, serving 50+ clients in CA.

It is important for businesses to monitor risks: penalties for non-compliance reach 6% of revenue. Local firms benefit by offering compliant solutions at 40% lower prices than global ones.

Global AI Supply Chains

The WEF emphasizes the need for resilient chains: Taiwan (TSMC) produces 60% of advanced chips but is vulnerable to geopolitics. Big Tech diversifies: Intel builds factories in the U.S. ($20 billion), Samsung in South Korea.

By 2026, data center capacity will grow by 40%, consuming 10% of global energy. Microsoft and Google invest in green energy: $30 billion in solar farms.

For Kazakhstan, this is an opportunity: Astana becomes a hub with 5 new data centers in 2026 (volume $1 billion). Alashed IT participates in projects, providing software development for 20% of the capacity.

Scaling reduces the cost of AI inference by 50% per year, making technology accessible to SMBs.

Outlook for IT Outsourcing in AI

Big Tech's capex growth doubles the demand for developers: a global shortage of 1.2 million specialists in 2026. Central Asia supplies 15% of outsourced talent to the U.S.

Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) has increased its team by 50%, focusing on AI for fintech and logistics. The average salary for a developer in Kazakhstan is $2,500/month vs $12,000 in the U.S.

Tesla integrates AI into FSD v13, requiring 100k GPUs; Apple into Siri 2.0. Outsourcers take 20-30% of such contracts.

Businesses in CA save up to 60% on AI projects, accelerating ROI to 6 months.

Что это значит для Казахстана

In Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Big Tech's AI investments open a $500 million outsourcing market in 2026. According to Astana Hub, IT services exports grew by 45% in Q1, focusing on AI development. Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) signed contracts worth $10 million with U.S. clients, integrating Nvidia GPUs into local solutions. In Uzbekistan, 3 new data centers (50 MW capacity) will attract $200 million in investments. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan add 10k devs, reducing the global shortage. Local businesses like Kaspi.kz already use AI for personalization, increasing retention by 25%. This is critical today: regulations require data localization, where CA wins due to low costs (50% lower than the U.S.).

$700 billion — Big Tech's capital expenditure on AI in 2026.

Investments in AI are reshaping the global tech market, making technology more accessible. Central Asian IT companies have a chance for an export boom. Businesses should invest now to capture a share of the $700 billion market.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

How much do Big Tech's AI investments cost in 2026?

Major companies will spend $700 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026, 70% more than the $410 billion in 2025. Microsoft allocates $100 billion, and Nvidia $50 billion for GPU supplies. For outsourcing, this reduces prices by 30%.

How do AI investments in 2026 differ from 2025?

In 2026, the volume will grow to $700 billion from $410 billion in 2025 (+70%). Focus on resilient chains and green energy ($30 billion). Regulations add 15% of costs but scale capacities by 40%.

What are the risks of AI investments for businesses?

Regulatory fines up to 6% of revenue, energy consumption 10% of global. Chip shortages risk +20% delays. Outsource like Alashed IT reduces risks by 40% due to localization.

How long does AI implementation take?

With outsourcing — 3-6 months, ROI in 6-9 months. Big Tech scale reduces inference cost by 50%. In CA, projects pay off in 4 months according to Astana Hub.

Best companies for AI outsourcing in CA?

Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) with 50% team growth, $10 million contracts. Certified under the EU AI Act, prices 50% lower than the U.S. Serve fintech and logistics, 30% savings.

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Фото: Elimende Inagella / Unsplash