86% of CIOs embrace low-code platforms; AI and citizen development reshape enterprise app delivery across MEA.
A new report from Kissflow reveals a sweeping transformation in enterprise application development, with 86% of CIOs globally adopting low-code platforms to meet mounting business demands. The 2025 CIO Low-Code Strategy Pulse Report highlights how AI integration and citizen development are redefining how organisations build and deploy applications.
As IT teams face talent shortages and growing backlogs, CIOs are turning to low-code platforms to accelerate delivery and reduce costs. The report notes that 55% of CIOs believe AI will significantly increase application output, while 57% measure success by reduced development costs.
“The traditional, IT-only model for application development can no longer keep pace with business demands,” said Prasanna Rajendran, Vice President at Kissflow. “Low-code and AI-enabled platforms are giving enterprises the ability to address application backlogs, modernise legacy systems, and empower business users, all while maintaining governance and security.”
In the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the shift is particularly pronounced. Sectors like government, BFSI, and energy are rapidly embracing low-code and AI to modernise legacy systems and empower business users. Functions such as operations (33%), finance (25%), and HR (23%) are now building their own apps with minimal IT support, signalling a rise in citizen development.
Executive pressure (27%) and overwhelming backlogs (26%) are driving adoption, with internal tools, ERP/CRM extensions, and legacy modernisation cited as top use cases. As MEA enterprises scale innovation, low-code and AI are emerging as critical enablers of speed, flexibility, and cost efficiency.
