Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria lead Africa’s $1.21 trillion cumulative FDI inflows since 1990, with $195B, $151B, and $111B respectively

  • Egypt leads with $195.2 billion in cumulative FDI inflows as of 2024.
  • South Africa follows with $151.0 billion, and Nigeria is third with $110.7 billion.
  • Only these three countries have crossed the $100 billion mark over the 34-year span.
  • Morocco and Mozambique are neck-and-neck, with around $58–59 billion each.
  • Ghana and Ethiopia show strong mid-tier performances, both near or above $45 billion.
  • DR Congo, Algeria, and Congo round out the top 10 — all with over $30 billion in long-term FDI.

From 1990 through 2024, Egypt has steadily built itself into the top destination for foreign direct investment in Africa, amassing $195.2 billion, thanks to its diversified economy, Suez Canal corridor, and sustained infrastructure spending. South Africa, long seen as a gateway economy, attracted $151.0 billion, while Nigeria, despite its oil wealth and population size, trails with $110.7 billion, likely due to persistent regulatory and security challenges.

Morocco and Mozambique are standout mid-tier performers, drawing nearly $60 billion each, reflecting successful mining, energy, and manufacturing policies. Ghana and Ethiopia, with $48.8 billion and $46.4 billion respectively, reflect growing investor interest in West and East African growth hubs. DR Congo, Algeria, and Congo (Brazzaville) all exceed $30 billion.

Source:

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Period:

1990-2024
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After peaking at $3.88B in 2019, Ghana’s FDI fell to $1.31B in 2023, a 66% drop in four years
  • FDI inflows surged from just $0.01 billion in 1990 to a record $3.88 billion in 2019, marking a 388x increase over 30 years.
  • Between 2006 and 2019, Ghana consistently attracted over $1 billion annually, with nine of those years surpassing $3 billion.
  • The highest FDI year on record was 2019, likely reflecting peak investor confidence before the pandemic.
  • Since 2021, FDI has remained below $2 billion, with 2023 recording $1.31 billion and 2024 only slightly higher at $1.67 billion.
  • Ghana’s FDI trend reflects a pattern of post-2000 acceleration, plateauing around 2012–2015, then declining sharply post-2020.

Egypt accounted for nearly half of Africa’s $97 billion FDI inflow in 2024
  • Africa attracted $97 billion in FDI in 2024 — nearly double the 2023 level — marking a record year for the continent.
  • Egypt alone accounted for nearly 50% of total African inflows, driven by a $35 billion Ras El-Hekma megaproject and sweeping reforms.
  • Major gainers included Zambia (+1340%), Guinea (+105%), and Mauritania (+74%), showing momentum beyond usual hotspots.
  • Nigeria’s FDI dropped 42%, while South Africa (–29%) and Senegal (–58%) also saw steep declines.

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.

Nigeria saw a record $390 million in Chinese FDI in 2007
  • Nigeria recorded its highest-ever Chinese FDI inflow of $390.4 million in 2007
  • The second-highest inflow of $333.1 million was recorded in 2012
  • FDI from China to Nigeria fluctuated significantly over the years, with major peaks in 2007, 2012, and 2020
  • 2022 saw a decline in Chinese FDI to Nigeria, falling to $119.6 million from $308.9 million in 2020

Construction and mining have attracted the largest share of FDI from China to Africa
  • Construction and mining dominate Chinese FDI in Africa, accounting for nearly 60% of the total investments
  • Financial intermediation, manufacturing, and commercial services also received $10.96 billion combined, smaller than construction alone
  • Leasing and commercial services attracted $2.16 billion, the least among all sectors
  • China’s FDI strategy in Africa continues to emphasise resource extraction and infrastructure, reinforcing economic interdependence

Nigeria's FDI made up only 2.5% of the country's capital imports in H1 2024
In H1 2024, Nigeria's FDI accounted for just 2.5% of the country's $5.98 billion total capital imports, down from 14% in H2 2023 and 6.2% in H1 2023. This highlights a shift towards other capital inflows like portfolio investments. Portfolio investments rose significantly to $3.48 billion, rebounding from $397 million in H2 2023 and $756 million in H1 2023.

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