By contrast, sub-Saharan Africa attracted $42 billion in FDI in 2025, representing a more moderate decline of 6% compared with the previous year. Inflows to these countries fell by 2% to $877 billion, accounting for 55% of total global FDI. Low-income economies were the hardest hit, with three-quarters of least developed countries recording stagnant or declining investment flows. Excluding these transit flows, global FDI rose by only about 5%, pointing to continued weakness in underlying investment activity. For 2026, the institution expects only a modest increase in global FDI flows, reflecting the continued impact of geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 27, 2026 10:55 UTC