Sixty one per cent of Nigerian Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are expecting global economic growth to improve and 64 per cent anticipate positive shifts in Nigeria’s economy this year.
Reflecting a commitment to strategic reinvention, 61 per cent of the CEOs have expanded into new sectors over the past five years, while 67 per cent see Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for innovation in products and services.
These are some of the key highlights of the ‘PwC 28th Annual Global CEO Survey: Nigerian perspective’, which form the Nigerian findings of PwC Nigeria’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, released on Tuesday.
This year’s survey reveals a compelling narrative of Nigerian CEOs making strategic decisions to reinvent their businesses amid rising economic uncertainty and megatrends like GenAI and Sustainability.
Commenting on the report, which highlights Nigerian CEOs’ optimism about the economy in 2025, Regional Senior Partner, West Market Area, PwC Nigeria, Sam Abu, stated: “Thriving in Nigeria’s competitive business landscape demands resilience and strategic foresight from CEOs.
“Despite economic challenges like inflation and macroeconomic volatility, our survey shows Nigerian business leaders remain optimistic—not just about survival but about transformation.
“CEOs are actively reshaping their business models to seize emerging opportunities by venturing into new sectors, leveraging technology, and engaging with evolving customer segments.”
For CEOs yet to embrace this shift, Abu said: “The moment to act is now. Navigating disruption and megatrends requires a long-term vision and clear reinvention priorities, from business model transformation and generative AI adoption to sustainability strategies.
“The risk of delay can cause a widening gap between forward-thinking organisations and those struggling to keep pace.”
CEO confidence in global economic growth is rising, marking a notable shift in sentiment. In Nigeria, 61 per cent of CEOs expect an improvement in the next 12 months, mirroring optimism across Sub-Saharan Africa 63 per cent and globally 58 per cent.
This contrasts sharply with previous years—only 38 per cent were optimistic last year, and a mere 18 per cent two years ago.
PwC’s survey highlights how Nigerian CEOs are future-proofing their businesses, embracing generative AI for efficiency, reshaping business models, and tackling climate-related challenges to secure long-term viability.
As global forces reshape the business landscape, Nigerian CEOs stand at a critical phase. The urgency to reinvent business models stems from key imperatives: ensuring long-term viability, adapting to disruption and megatrends, and effectively managing evolving risks.
Partner and Clients and Markets Leader, West Market Area, PwC Nigeria, Pedro Omontuemhen, said: “With four in 10 Nigerian CEOs uncertain about their businesses’ long-term viability, reinvention is no longer optional; it’s essential.
According to him, true transformation goes beyond strategy, requiring a fundamental shift in value proposition, market approach, profit model, and operational capabilities to secure sustainability.
“In an era of rapid change, the most successful organisations will be those that embed agility into decision-making and align reinvention with long-term value creation,” Omontuemhen said
PwC said its report underscores the most pressing concerns for CEOs over the next 12 months, with inflation topping the list, with 58 per cent of respondents feeling highly or extremely exposed, far exceeding the global average of 27 per cent and 42 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Other major risks include macroeconomic volatility 39 per cent, a shortage of skilled workers 31 per cent and both geopolitical conflict and cyber threats 25 per cent,” the firm stated.
The Nation
