Oliver Wyman’s ‘CEO Agenda 2025’ Highlights Strategic Priorities

Oliver Wyman, a global management consulting firm under Marsh McLennan, has released CEO Agenda 2025, a strategic report offering critical insights for navigating today’s volatile global business landscape. Drawing from a survey of 165 CEOs from publicly listed companies and supported by insights from 17 countries, the report presents a roadmap for leadership amid disruption.

Specifically, for South African business leaders grappling with energy constraints, supply chain instability, and policy complexity, the report provides global context and actionable strategies relevant to local challenges. It explores how emerging trends geopolitical shifts, AI innovation, and workforce transformation are shaping boardroom priorities.

Global Disruption, Local Pressure

Geopolitical risk has become a top concern. Notably, about 89% of surveyed CEOs cite trade policies, tariffs, and industrial regulation as major threats up 20 percentage points from 2024. Consequently, this growing awareness calls for deeper understanding of global power dynamics and supply chain vulnerabilities.

In particular, for South African companies in mining, manufacturing, or agriculture, exposure to international markets amplifies the impact of global realignment. As a result, CEOs are redesigning supply chains to be more agile and resilient, while tracking policy shifts that affect sourcing and production. Countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are emerging as attractive hubs in the global supply chain reset. Likewise, South African leaders must reassess dependencies and explore new partnerships, using frameworks like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to drive regional integration and growth.

AI as a Strategy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics are rapidly reshaping industries. Indeed, a striking 95% of CEOs view AI as a key opportunity, with 60% already reporting tangible financial benefits such as improved efficiency or revenue. Of these, 17% report that the impact exceeds 10%.

In South Africa, AI adoption is gaining momentum, outpacing the continental average. However, the report reveals a disparity based on company size 24% of large firms report significant AI returns, compared to just 13% of SMEs. Therefore, this highlights the need for smaller businesses to adopt targeted, cost-effective AI tools, such as cloud-based platforms or joint innovation efforts.

Opportunity Amid Crisis

As AI transforms industries, talent becomes a vital advantage. According to the report, around 75% of CEOs now see talent attraction, development, and retention as top business priorities rising 25 percentage points from 2024.

In this context, South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis and expanding young population make this especially relevant. CEOs are urged to invest in upskilling and reskilling initiatives that prepare the workforce for AI-driven jobs and future needs. Encouragingly, 87% of CEOs plan to transform employee capabilities within the next two years.

Balancing Growth and Cost Discipline

Despite economic uncertainty, growth remains central to CEO agendas. Specifically, some 68% of leaders are prioritizing growth initiatives in 2025, up from 56% in 2024. Simultaneously, 70% now list cost control as a top three focus compared to just 39% a year prior.

Furthermore, short-term planning is becoming more common, with 43% of CEO time focused on strategies lasting less than one year. Mergers and acquisitions are gaining traction as a growth strategy, with 95% of CEOs planning to pursue M&A within the next two years. For South African executives, this reflects the need to manage short-term volatility while positioning for long-term transformation.

Holistic Leadership

The report underscores the need for adaptive leadership resilient, forward-looking, and integrated. CEOs can no longer treat risks like geopolitical instability, technological change, and workforce disruption in isolation.

Fortunately, South African leaders, accustomed to complex local challenges, are well-positioned to adopt this holistic mindset. Ultimately, success will depend on their ability to break silos, foster collaboration, and align diverse strategies under a unified vision.

Paul Calvey, Managing Partner at Oliver Wyman South Africa, concludes:

“The report confirms that incremental tweaks are no longer enough. South African CEOs must adopt bold, integrated strategies that embrace AI, unlock human potential, and tackle our unique local challenges. The future belongs to those who can lead with vision and adaptability.”