Egypt’s $47 billion FDI haul puts it ahead of major economies in 2024

  • Global FDI rose to $1.51 trillion, still below its 2015 peak.
  • The top 10 countries accounted for 65% of total inflows.
  • Egypt ranked 8th globally with $46.6 billion, ahead of UAE and Mexico.
  • A $35 billion Ras El-Hekma deal drove much of Egypt’s surge.
  • Egypt’s FDI grew over 370%, the fastest among top recipients.

In 2024, global foreign direct investment (FDI) rose modestly to $1.51 trillion, continuing a gradual post-pandemic recovery but still far below the $2.2 trillion peak of 2015, with Egypt’s inflows growing more than 370% year-on-year.

The United States, Singapore, and China remained the top destinations, drawing over $538 billion combined. Capital flows continued to concentrate, with just 10 countries accounting for 63% of global FDI. Among them, the standout was Egypt, which climbed to 8th place globally with $46.6 billion, outperforming larger economies like the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.

This dramatic leap, driven by a $35 billion UAE-backed megaproject in Ras El-Hekma and sweeping domestic reforms, marks a rare moment where an African country disrupts the global investment hierarchy.

Source:

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Period:

2024
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Nigeria’s FDI inflows rose to 4th in Africa after a 148% increase, while Egypt remained the continent’s top destination
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