Nigerian corporate leaders are betting on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, talent management, and ESG to drive growth in 2026, according to PwC’s 29th Annual Global CEO Survey.
While confidence in the economy is rising, CEOs are increasingly focused on operational and technological risks that could undermine performance. The survey, which captured responses from 4,454 CEOs globally, including Nigeria, found that 91 percent of Nigerian CEOs expect the economy to improve in the next 12 months, up from 64 percent in 2025.
More than half (56%) are very confident in their company’s revenue growth, well above the 30% global average.
“Stability has returned, but confidence alone does not guarantee growth,” said Olusegun Zaccheaus, partner and chief economist at PwC Nigeria. “CEOs now need to translate predictability into tangible performance through deliberate investment in technology, talent, and governance.”
Cybersecurity has moved to the top of the corporate agenda. Thirty-eight percent of CEOs report high exposure to cyber threats, and 75 percent plan to strengthen enterprise-wide cybersecurity over the next three years.
“Cybersecurity is now a strategic capability, not just a technical function,” said Femi Osinubi, partner and consulting & risk services leader at PwC Nigeria. “Companies that embed robust cyber risk management protect both growth and stakeholder trust.”
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Technology adoption, particularly AI, is also a priority. Half of Nigerian CEOs cite the pace of technological change, including AI, as their biggest concern. Yet the survey shows AI is largely applied in customer-facing areas such as sales, marketing, and service, with only 9 percent using it for strategic planning or corporate review.
“Front-office AI is advancing, but adoption for decision-making remains low,” Osinubi said. Integrating AI into core processes will be critical to translating investment into growth.
Talent availability is another pressing risk. Thirty-eight percent of CEOs report high exposure to skills shortages, driven by migration, competition, and demand for digital expertise. “Talent strategy is now a growth strategy,” said Zaccheaus. “Companies that align recruitment, retention, and upskilling with operational goals will maintain execution capacity and market share.”
Environmental, social, and governance considerations are gaining traction. Climate-related risks are cited by 13percent of CEOs, up from 3 percent in 2025, while social inequality concerns rise to 25 percent. Forty-one percent of CEOs report defined climate-related processes in sourcing, 38 percent factor climate into capital allocation, and 34 percent apply it to product development.
“Embedding ESG into operations and strategy is becoming a differentiator, not just a compliance requirement,” said Marilyn Obaisa-Osula, partner and head of ESG, Sustainability & Climate Change, PwC Nigeria.
Geopolitical and trade risks are also influencing business strategy. One in four CEOs plans to restructure tax obligations over the next three years, while 22 percent intend to reconfigure supply chains to reduce reliance on less trusted partners. Nearly half (44%) say long-term viability is a key concern, highlighting the need for scenario planning and stress-testing business strategies.
Execution gaps remain a challenge. While 47 percent of CEOs see innovation as critical, only 25 percent rapidly test new ideas with customers or end-users. Formal innovation structures exist in just 16 percent of firms. Thirty-eight percent plan at least one major acquisition over the next three years. “The difference between growth and underperformance will be how effectively CEOs translate strategy into action,” said Kunle Amida, partner and deals leader at PwC Nigeria.
The survey points to a clear market implication that companies that combine investment in cyber, AI, talent, ESG, and proactive tax management with disciplined execution are best positioned to convert macroeconomic stability into sustainable growth.
“2026 is the year of deliberate moves,” said Sam Abu, regional senior partner at PwC West Market. “CEOs who execute with focus across technology, talent, ESG, and risk will define the next chapter of corporate success in Nigeria.”
