Firm pillar
Societal impact
We measure our societal impact to ensure we create meaningful, positive change. In FY24, we assessed our contributions in South Africa, capturing both direct effects and broader ripple impacts through supply chains and wage-driven spending. This analysis shows how our operations generate economic value, support jobs, contribute to government revenues, and improve household incomes. In FY25, we extended this approach to Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive growth.
Methodology for conducting impact analysis
Our impact analysis is built on an internationally recognised approach that leverages the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) framework. This methodology is tailored to each country, enabling us to trace how PwC’s operational expenditure influences other sectors in those economies and how these effects are distributed. This highlights the economic linkages and the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of our activities.
To conduct this analysis, we reviewed PwC’s revenue, operating expenses, and employment data for the 2025 financial year. We quantified PwC’s estimated contribution across four key dimensions:
- Estimated economic growth, via Gross Value Added (GVA) across sectors.
- Estimated employment creation, both within PwC and across its supply chain.
- Estimated public finance impact, including direct and indirect tax contributions.
- Estimated support to low-income households, reflecting inclusive economic outcomes.
To fully understand the scale and distribution of these contributions, we assessed the economic linkages created by PwC’s day-to-day operational activities. Economic impact extends far beyond our direct operations through three distinct channels:
- Direct impacts refer to the immediate effects of PwC’s operations, such as employment within the firm and direct procurement.
- Indirect impacts capture the effects on suppliers and service providers within our value chain.
- Induced impacts reflect the wider ripple effects in the economy, such as increased household spending resulting from wages paid to employees and suppliers.
For example:
The multiplier effect helps us understand the size of these knock-on impacts, with the total impact being the sum of direct, indirect, and induced contributions. This comprehensive approach allows us to quantify PwC’s estimated footprint and the broader socio-economic value generated.
South Africa (context for FY24)
South Africa’s economic growth declined from 0.8% in 2023 to 0.5% in 2024. The slow-growth economy was being held back by weak consumer and business confidence which resulted in low levels of household spending and investment growth. Other challenges included electricity load-shedding, under performance of railways and harbours, and ongoing safety challenges. On a positive note, the country experienced easing inflation levels during 2023-2024 as global commodity prices declined and tighter domestic monetary policy reduced inflationary pressure. This resulted in an end to the interest rate hikes seen in the preceding two years. However, slow economic growth resulted in weak employment growth, the country’s unemployment rate rising from 32.1% in 2023 to 33.2% in 2024.
Quantifying PwC South Africa’s estimated impact on the South African economy for FY24
PwC contributed an estimated total of R2.7 billion in FY24 through direct and induced tax revenue contributions.
Ghana (context for FY25)
Ghana’s economic growth accelerated from 3.2% in 2023 to 5.7% in 2024 and a forecast 5.8% in 2025 on the back of a recovery in domestic demand. Easing inflation, election-related spending by the public sector, improving business confidence and stronger foreign investment all supported economic growth. Consumer price inflation declined to a four-year low by mid-2025, falling to within the central bank’s 6%-10% target band thanks to favourable exchange rate movements. The value of the cedi appreciated alongside monetary policy tightening and improvements in the country’s foreign reserve holdings. Interest rates were elevated during the past three years as the central bank fought currency depreciation. The Ghanaian currency traded around GHS10/USD in mid-2025 compared to about GHS15/USD just a year earlier. Broad macroeconomic improvements also supported economic growth andthe unemployment rate declined from 3.1% in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. Around eight out of ten working Ghanaians are employed in the informal sector.
Quantifying PwC Ghana’s impact on the Ghanaian economy for FY25
Nigeria (context for FY25)
Nigeria’s economic growth accelerated from 3.3% in 2023 to 4.1% in 2024 as the country’s net exports position received a boost from increased domestic petrol refining. Nonetheless, growth momentum was held back in 2024-2025 by elevated inflation, tight monetary policy, and weak levels of foreign direct investment. Consumer price inflation was above the 20% y-o-y level for most of the past two years as currency depreciation significantly increased the cost of imported goods. The naira devalued sharply in June 2023 with the unification of official and parallel rates and has also at times felt pressure from local global oil prices. This has resulted in a general deprecatory trend in the Nigeran currency over the past two years. In response, the central bank increased lending rates during 2024 and held the benchmark rates steady at 27.5% in the first half of 2025. However, despite the constrained macroeconomic environment, the country’s unemployment rate declined from 3.1% in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. Around nine out of ten working Nigerians are employed in the informal sector.
Quantifying PwC Nigeria’s impact on the Nigerian economy for FY25
Kenya (context for FY25)
Kenya has maintained robust economic growth rates over the past decade, with the economy expanding by 4.7% in 2024 and a forecast 5.1% in 2025. Recent interest rate cuts are benefitting both household consumption as well as fixed investment. The central bank lending rate was reduced by a cumulative 325 basis points between August 2024 and June 2025 in response to lower inflation pressure. Consumer price inflation moderated from late in 2022 towards the end of 2024 and was within the 2.5%-7.5% target range in the first half of 2025. This favourable monetary situation in 2024-2025 was supported by high levels offoreign reserves and a relatively stable exchange rate. The Kenya shilling was trading with little volatility around the KSH129/USD level for an extended period. Given this favourable macroeconomic backdrop, the Kenyan economy was able to add more jobs and reduce the unemployment rate to 5.4% in 2024 from 5.6% in the preceding year. More than eight out of ten workers in Kenya are employed in the informal sector.
Quantifying PwC Kenya’s impact on the Kenyan economy for FY25
Net zero
Sustainability is part of how we lead.
It’s embedded in our daily decisions, not just our long-term goals. This focus keeps us competitive, relevant, and trusted by our clients. We’ve made consistent progress toward net zero, achieving key milestones year after year. With deliberate action and measurable impact, we’re firmly on track to reach our 2030 target.
PwC global net zero commitments
In FY25, a 39% reduction has been achieved in the combined overall carbon footprint compared to the baseline year.
Enterprise Supplier Development
Our Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme is designed to accelerate qualifying small businesses by providing tailored solutions that deliver real, sustainable impact.
The purpose of PwC’s ESD programme is to equip beneficiaries with the tools and support they need to unlock their growth potential. We recognise that strong SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) are essential for building are silient and inclusive economy.
Through this programme, we live PwC’s purpose of building trust and solving important problems in a meaningful way—while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing South Africa’s Transformation Agenda.
In FY25, we supported 33 SMMEs on their journey to growth and impact.
SATIC
SATIC is driving global delivery excellencethrough innovation and inclusive talent
The South Africa Technology and Innovation Centre (SATIC), launched on 1 July 2023, is a tier 1 delivery centre co-owned by PwC South Africa and PwC United Kingdom. It represents the evolution of The Next Era and embodies PwC’s global ambition to build a human-led, tech-enabled business. Operating as a separate legal entity, SATIC enhances delivery capacity and quality for both firms, driving innovation and sustained outcomes for clients.
To better understand the value and outcomes of the South Africa Technology and Innovation Centre (SATIC), we conducted a comprehensive impact analysis. This assessment focused on how SATIC contributes to professional development, diversity, and South Africa’s positioning in the global professional services market.
Since its inception, SATIC has created over 400 permanent tech careers for South Africans, with a goal to reach 1,000 by FY2027. By connecting local talent directly with international clients and PwC firms, it enables global opportunities and demonstrates that African talent can thrive on the world stage.
We are developing future leaders, leading sophisticated projects while tackling unemployment.
Africa Assurance Multi-Territory Deliver Centre
The Africa Assurance Multi-Territory Deliver Centre (MTDC) is a strategic investment by the PwC Africa firm and a core component of its assurance transformation journey. It plays a pivotal role in supporting multiple PwC offices across the continent, as well as contributing to the global PwC network. In FY25 alone, the MTDC delivered over 698,000 hours to audit teams, showcasing its scale and impact. The centre is also forward-looking, actively identifying automation opportunities to enhance value and efficiency.
Diversity and inclusion
At PwC Africa, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we create value and support our people and communities. Our various programmes show this commitment in action and reflect the real difference we aim to make.
Gender Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund (GBVF)
The Gender Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund (GBVF) is a private sector-led initiative in South Africa aimed at combating gender-based violence and femicide. It focuses on funding community-based organisations (CBOs) and supporting various programmes to address GBVF issues. PwC contributes to this effort by providing pro-bono professional services and aiding in the Fund's distribution, thus strengthening the GBVF's impact and effectiveness in tackling this critical social challenge.
We also provide professional support to ensure that the Fund's operations run smoothly and that information is readily available to stakeholders—simplifying and allowing for fast and accurate decision making.
Our support is rendered together with that of other corporate role players in South Africa. The collaboration between corporate South Africa has allowed the GBVF to execute its purpose.
International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA)
The International Women‘s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) connects over 7,800 women leaders worldwide, advancing women’s leadership and equality while building significant relationships between C-level women across countries and industries. The forum offers executive development and middle management development programmes.
Nigeria 5 for 5 programme
Launched in 2017, PwC Nigeria’s 5 for 5 Programme supports five charities every year, focusingon health, gender equity, education, and social inclusion.
Skills Panda
Since 2019, PwC South Africa has invested R31.9m in education and skills development for 330 black disabled students through the Skills Panda youth development initiative.
This 12-month learnership programme focuses on scarce skills, helping young South Africans enter the mainstream economy through formal employment or entrepreneurship.
This programme:
- Combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience
- Places learners at organisations close to their home regions
- Provides technical skills to boost national employment
Disability inclusion network
PwC has launched a meaningful initiative aimed at fostering disability inclusion across the firm. This effort marks a vital step toward creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals feel welcomed, heard, and empowered. It promotes open dialogue and encourages the voluntary declaration of disabilities, in alignment with PwC’s Global Disability Inclusion Strategy. By strengthening engagement, it also enhances the firm’s reporting and accountability.
Run4APurpose
PwC Zambia hosted its first Run4APurpose 5km health walk/run to raise awareness and support for autism. The event aimed to help children with developmental challenges and proceeds went to the Developmental Intervention Clinic at UTH Children’s Ward.
PwC Solidarity Fund
PwC in South Africa contributed time and expertise in multiple ways to support the government in addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our professionals provided critical services, including acting as auditors to the Solidarity Fund, ensuring transparency and accountability during a time of national crisis.
Contact us
Shirley Machaba
Regional Senior Partner, PwC South Market Area, PwC South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 11 797 5851
Peter Ngahu
Regional Senior Partner, PwC East Market Area, PwC Kenya
Tel: +254 (0) 20 285 5090
