Leading through uncertainty in the age of AI

The East Africa findings from PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey, capturing insights from leaders across the region — including Mauritius and Zambia, show strong optimism about growth. However, long-term questions remain: are they doing enough to prepare for the future? 

Across the region, companies are stepping into new sectors, exploring AI, and holding their ground amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty. 

Looking ahead, leaders anticipate solid performance over the next three years, but highlighted the need to accelerate digital transformation to stay competitive, wondering whether they were transforming fast enough. But geopolitical uncertainty is depressing major investment appetite.

This year’s survey highlights how CEOs in East Africa are managing these disruptions and pinpoints where they should focus to drive long-term value through reinvention. 

Only have a minute? Here’s an executive summary of insights:

Confidence rising, readiness uneven

• 60% of East African CEOs confident over the medium term (next three years), while this drops to 50% in the shorter term.

• 79% expect improvement in local market conditions. 

• While confidence remains high, East African CEOs are acutely aware that optimism must be tempered with vigilance.

Threat exposure: Concerns but not deal breakers

• Top threats are now internal/structural: Availability of key skills (32%); Technological disruption incl. AI (27%); Cyber risks (26%).
• In the next three years, 59% said they are planning to improve enterprise-wide cybersecurity to defend against cyber-attacks, as part of their response to potential geopolitical risks.
• Geopolitical uncertainty is depressing major investment appetite despite general optimism.

These risks are not just threats to be managed; they are catalysts for reinvention.

The Reinvention imperative: AI, innovation and transformation

Talent scarcity, technological disruption, and cyber risk, all point to a singular truth: reinvention is no longer optional. Yet the pace of transformation in East Africa tells a more complex story. AI adoption in the region has been slow and cautious, trailing behind African and global counterparts.

• Only 10% use AI for strategic decision-making, although 27% report revenue boosts and 24% report cost drops from AI.
• Transformation gap:  70% say their tech is AI ready, but only 41% have a roadmap.
• CEOs expect reduction in junior roles as AI adoption grows. Concern rising about workforce capabilities, retention, and reskilling needs.
• 41% believe their C suite is ready for disruption.
• CEOs spend 50% of time on short term issues; only 15% on long term planning.

Strategic growth

Internal transformation through AI and innovation tells only half the story. East African CEOs are also looking outward forging new partnerships, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and capitalising on the accelerating momentum of intra-Africa trade.

• 42.9% growth in East Africa’s African trade. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania remain top investment destinations.
• 85% of leaders reported revenue from new products/services, but innovation execution remains weak.

New entrants in the top 10 investment destinations – Nigeria, Zambia and Madagascar – have displaced traditional international markets such as the US, France and India, signalling a shift in opportunities within the continent.