African CEOs remain confident in growth, but economic uncertainty, AI readiness will shape next phase of investment – KPMG

African business leaders remain confident about growth, but converting that confidence into sustained performance will depend on how effectively organisations navigate economic uncertainty, geopolitical disruption, technological change and structural constraints, according to the 2026 KPMG Africa CEO Outlook. The third edition of the KPMG Africa CEO Outlook examines the priorities shaping business leadership across the continent, from investment and growth expectations to emerging risks, artificial intelligence (AI), talent and sustainability. The findings point to a business environment in which ambition remains strong, but execution is becoming increasingly important. While 66% of African CEOs are confident in the global economy, broadly in line with the global benchmark of 65%, confidence in their domestic economies stands at 72%.

A further 79% are confident in the growth prospects of their own organisations. This confidence is supported by recent performance, with 86% of African CEOs reporting revenue growth in their latest financial year. However, only 58% expect annual earnings growth of at least 2. 5% over the next three years, compared with 68% globally, suggesting that translating revenue gains into sustained profitability remains a priority. Economic uncertainty reinforces the need for resilience African businesses operate in an increasingly interconnected global environment, where geopolitical tensions, energy-market volatility, supply-chain disruptions, and shifting trade relationships can influence investment decisions and operating costs. For African economies, these pressures coexist with significant opportunities. The continent’s energy resources, critical minerals, expanding consumer markets and potential to develop local manufacturing and value chains…