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AI as a growth accelerator: Why East Africa is emerging as a testbed for digital transformation AI is becoming a critical growth accelerator for East African businesses—not because it is fashionable, but because it delivers speed, sharper insights and resilience in a volatile environment, writes Benson Ndung’u, CEO, KPMG East Africa. He believes that with a young, agile workforce, rising CEO confidence and a distinctly practical approach to problem-solving, the region is emerging as a proving ground for meaningful digital transformation. To unlock its full value, East African organisations must strengthen their data foundations, invest deliberately in digital skills and scale AI through high-impact, real-world use cases.

Option 1 (Strong & Descriptive) Benson Ndung’u, CEO of KPMG East Africa, discussing AI adoption and digital transformation in the region.
Benson Ndung’u, CEO of KPMG East Africa, argues that the region is fast emerging as a proving ground for practical, high-impact AI adoption.

As East African economies continue to navigate the pressures of inflation, currency swings and an increasingly uncertain global landscape, one question is rising to the top of boardroom agendas: how do organisations stay steady when the environment around them keeps shifting? The latest KPMG Africa CEO Outlook suggests that leaders are beginning to find their answer. AI has moved from the margins to the centre of strategic thinking, with 71% of African CEOs investing in AI and talent to strengthen growth and resilience. In East Africa specifically, 40% of CEOs now view AI as a critical tool for operational efficiency…

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