African business leaders show strong confidence in digital growth despite underestimating emerging quantum technology risks to current data security systems, according to KPMG's 2025 Africa CEO Outlook report. The study reveals alarmingly low awareness levels across the continent, with fewer than four in ten executives recognizing how quantum advances could compromise existing encryption protecting financial records and personal information.
KPMG warns that this complacency creates significant vulnerabilities as companies rapidly adopt artificial intelligence and expand cloud-based operations. Only 14 percent of East African chief executives identified quantum threats as concerns, compared to 35 percent in West Africa. The firm urges integrating robust security protocols during technology implementation rather than as later additions.
Report findings indicate 88 percent of African CEOs plan workforce expansion next year, reflecting the belief that technology augments human roles. However, experts stress that sustainable innovation requires equal attention to data protection frameworks. KPMG recommends embedding continuous risk monitoring and quantum-resistant encryption standards into all digital initiatives to maintain customer trust and operational integrity amid accelerating technological change.
KPMG warns that this complacency creates significant vulnerabilities as companies rapidly adopt artificial intelligence and expand cloud-based operations. Only 14 percent of East African chief executives identified quantum threats as concerns, compared to 35 percent in West Africa. The firm urges integrating robust security protocols during technology implementation rather than as later additions.
Report findings indicate 88 percent of African CEOs plan workforce expansion next year, reflecting the belief that technology augments human roles. However, experts stress that sustainable innovation requires equal attention to data protection frameworks. KPMG recommends embedding continuous risk monitoring and quantum-resistant encryption standards into all digital initiatives to maintain customer trust and operational integrity amid accelerating technological change.
