African CEOs optimistic about mergers and acquisitions, AI integration, and economic recovery - KPMG

MOST African CEOs are planning acquisitions over the next three years, says KPMG in its 2025 Africa CEO Outlook survey, as business confidence in domestic economies and growth prospects recover amid the global race to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI).

- TAWANDA KAROMBO

After surveying 130 top African CEOs, the KPMG survey report notes that 86% of African CEOs are planning acquisitions over the next three years, up from 77% in the same survey last year. It said this “signals a strong appetite for expansion” by the continent's top corporates.

“Confidence in domestic economies is also rising, with 63% of African CEOs expressing optimism about their country’s growth prospects up from 61% in 2024,” notes the report.

Moreover, as much as 46% of Africa CEOs were aligning sustainability goals with their core business strategies, while 51% are are prioritising compliance and reporting.