Foreword
As we celebrate a year of our One Africa journey, I am delighted to contribute to the second edition of the KPMG Africa CEO Outlook. It is an honour to share these insights, which not only reflect a level of confidence among African business leaders but also highlight the environment in which we operate. Africa is a market of global significance, comparable to many international economies.
In 2025, we again engaged with more than 130 CEOs and business leaders across Southern, East, and West Africa, representing the full breadth of KPMG’s presence on the continent.
Five years on from the global pandemic, the world continues to experience heightened geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Yet, despite these challenges, it is inspiring to observe a sense of cautious optimism among African CEOs, particularly around opportunities for growth and the prioritisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These leaders are driving operational efficiency and underpinning long-term sustainable growth.
It is also instructive to note regional perspectives on the key themes of this survey: Technology and AI, Talent in the age of AI, and ESG. Notably, confidence levels vary across regions, with optimism about growth remaining relatively strong, ranging from 14% in East Africa, 22% in Southern Africa, and 35% in West Africa – highlighting a sense of cautious ambition across the continent.
As AI becomes more deeply embedded in daily business operations, CEOs are prioritising talent development, recognising that skills are being fundamentally redefined. Leaders are approaching this change proactively, embracing the opportunities AI presents rather than viewing it as a threat.
The 2025 Africa CEO Outlook also underscores the growing importance of ESG. Most CEOs remain strongly committed to integrating ESG principles into their organisational objectives, balancing innovation with responsibility.
I would like to conclude with the words of our Global Chairman and CEO, Bill Thomas, that “Ultimately, those leaders who can embrace market volatility and focus their investments on the right strategic priorities will be best placed to unlock new opportunities and deliver sustainable, long-term growth.”
