The year ahead is likely to be characterized by recessionary pressures in key global economies, increasing borrowing costs, unpredictable supply chains, oil price uncertainty, and volatile demand. At the same time, numerous diversification and industrialization initiatives and mega projects will be entering key implementation stages in 2023. For many organizations, the digital and tech investments they made during the pandemic to build resilience could be put to test in 2023 across key business dimensions such as customer experience, operations, and financial management, among others. Further digitalization in key areas and a more rapid shift to a "digital business" could separate the thrivers from the survivors.

Against the backdrop of a global slowdown, tech vendors and providers will need to review their market strategies for the region to identify and tap into opportunities in specific countries and industries that emerge from these disruptive forces. They will also need to prioritize investments in specific areas of their portfolios, go-to-market plans, ecosystem partnerships, and skill sets.