Cyber Security Leads CIO Priorities in 2025
In 2025, cyber security and compliance have emerged as top priorities for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in South Africa, reflecting the growing urgency to safeguard digital infrastructure. A recent industry survey of 115 CIOs highlights how organisations are balancing innovation with risk management amid rapid digital transformation.
According to the findings, 72% of respondents ranked cyber security and compliance as their highest concerns, followed closely by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, cited by 60%. Technology leaders are prioritising AI, cloud, and cyber security, while followers and late adopters are more focused on modernising legacy systems.
Budget allocations are shifting accordingly, with 63% of CIOs expecting increased IT budgets in the year ahead. AI investment is gaining momentum, with 47% naming it a top investment area—up sharply from previous years. Cloud technologies (45%) and application modernisation (36%) also remain key. Generative AI adoption is growing steadily, with 45% of organisations already using it and 48% evaluating its potential. Meanwhile, agentic AI adoption remains in early stages, with security, ethics, and integration challenges cited as barriers.
As digital maturity improves, CIOs are playing a more strategic role, guiding technology decisions that align innovation with security and long-term value.
References:
https://www.pwc.co.za/en/publications/digital-trust-insights.html
https://it-online.co.za/2025/05/29/sa-not-progressing-in-cybersecurity-readiness/
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