More CEOs optimistic about global economic growth, PwC survey shows
By Mary Adenike
Almost 60 percent of CEOs around the world expect global economic growth to increase over the next 12 months, according to a new survey by Big Four accounting firm PwC.
The optimism is higher this year compared to 38 percent in 2024 and 18 percent two years ago.
The 28th edition of the annual global CEO survey involved 4,701 CEOs across 109 countries and territories. It was launched at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on Monday.
“While CEOs are optimistic about the global economy, macroeconomic volatility (29 percent) and inflation (27 percent) nevertheless remain the top risks for the year ahead cited by CEOs globally, but with clear differences between regions,” the report said.
It added that geopolitical conflict is seen as the biggest risk in the Middle East (41 percent) and Central and Eastern Europe (34 percent). In Western Europe, cyber risk (27 percent) is a marginally higher concern than a lack of skilled workers (25 percent) and inflation (24 percent) – with macroeconomic volatility topping the list at 29 percent.
“Inflation is the top concern in Africa (39 percent), while North America and Asia-Pacific prioritise risks largely in line with the global averages.”
PwC revealed that 42 percent expect to increase headcount by five percent or more in the next 12 months – more than double the proportion who expect headcount decreases (17 percent), and up from 39 percent last year.
“The percentage is highest (48 percent) among smaller companies (less than $100 million) and those in the technology (61 percent), real estate (61 percent), private equity (52 percent) and pharma and life sciences (51 percent) sectors,” Mohamed Kande, global chairman at PwC, said during the event. “This year’s CEO survey findings highlight a stark juxtaposition – business leaders around the world are optimistic about the year ahead, but also know they must re-invent how they create, deliver and capture value.”
Kande recommends that for businesses to strive, CEOs must act now and take bold decisions around their strategy – ranging from people, footprint and supply chain, right through to reinventing their business model.
