Strategic vision and resilience: the leading role of Angolan CEOs in KPMG's “CEO Outlook 2025”

At the recent Forbes Lusophone Africa Annual Summit in Luanda, the presentation of KPMG's CEO Outlook 2025 report, led by Vítor Ribeirinho, Senior Partner at KPMG Portugal and Angola, highlighted a significant milestone: 25 Angolan CEOs – representing 12 key sectors of the national economy – took part in an edition that, for the first time, provides a clearer picture of the country's business leadership. This gesture is not merely symbolic. It signals the consolidation of strategic thinking in Angola that engages with major international trends while maintaining its own perspective on contemporary economic and geopolitical challenges.

The study reveals that global CEO confidence has suffered a setback, reflecting an environment shaped by prolonged uncertainty. However, the stance of Angolan leaders contrasts with this widespread pessimism. Like many of their international peers, yet with distinctive characteristics, CEOs in Angola are responding to adversity not with retrenchment, but with investments in artificial intelligence (AI), talent, and governance. These are the pillars that define their vision for the years ahead.

Pillar 1 – AI and talent: the new pillar of competitiveness

Among Angolan leaders, 74% identify AI as a strategic priority, a figure that matches and in some areas surpasses the global trend. Approximately a quarter of companies already allocate up to 20% of their budget to AI initiatives – an indicator that the country has moved past the phase of tentative experimentation into that of strategic adoption.

Two aspects stand out in this movement:

1. 1. Technological ambition
2. CEOs do not view AI merely as modernization. They see it as a foundational technology capable of transforming operations, accelerating decision-making, and opening up opportunities for new business models. The approach is about leadership, not following behind.
3. 2. Ethical and regulatory awareness
4. At the same time, the study shows that the main perceived barriers are ethical and regulatory, in addition to inadequate data readiness. This combination – ambition coupled with prudence – reveals a leadership that understands technology only creates value when accompanied by responsibility.
5. However, the major difference compared to many markets lies in the human factor. 67% of Angolan CEOs are already reskilling teams for AI-augmented roles, and 58% are strengthening workforces with technological skills. The message is clear: investing in AI without investing in talent would be compromising the future itself.
6. Pillar 2 – Risk management and governance: protecting in order to grow
7. Another important pillar of the report is the growing maturity of Angolan companies in protecting their systems and structuring their processes.
8. • 53% identify cybersecurity as an investment priority – aligned with global trends and increasingly urgent in a market where digitalization is no longer optional.
9. • 47% consider the integration of AI into processes to be a central part of their operational strategy.
10. • And a significant group of leaders highlights the need to strengthen compliance, reporting, and internal regulations, signaling a demand for more robust governance frameworks.
    This balance between innovation and shielding is one of the strongest signs of emerging corporate maturity in Angola.
11. Pillar 3 – ESG and sustainability: from promise to genuine commitment
12. At a time when sustainability has ceased to be a slogan and has become a competitive factor, the CEO Outlook 2025 shows that 54% of Angolan leaders claim to be on track to achieve carbon neutrality goals by 2030 – a higher rate than in many emerging markets.
13. In addition, 73% prioritize ESG disclosure and reporting, reinforcing that transparency and credibility are assets just as valuable as financial capital.
14. AI, in this context, emerges as a tool to improve data, identify efficiency opportunities, and reduce environmental impacts – an integration that aligns the country much more closely with global corporate sustainability trends.
15. Final reflections: leadership facing the future head-on
16. The CEO Outlook 2025 delivers a clear message: Angolan leadership is changing – and changing for the better.
17. CEOs demonstrate:
18. • Proactivity in the face of global volatility;
19. • Long-term vision, by aligning technology, talent, and sustainability;
20. • Adaptability, by reorganizing teams, operations, and business models;
21. • Ethical responsibility, by recognizing risks without holding back innovation.
22. More than merely withstanding adversity, Angolan leaders show that they want to shape the future – and do so in an intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable way.
23. If they maintain this course, they will not only be strengthening their companies, but also contributing to a more competitive, better prepared Angolan business ecosystem that is more connected to the demands of the 21st century.
24. And now, we look forward to seeing what KPMG's CEO Outlook 2026 will bring regarding Angolan leadership – it will certainly be another insightful snapshot of the development and resilience of our leaders.

Filipe Vidal Avelino

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Resultados SCVM –
Securities Brokerage Company