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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Zambia’s FDI rebounded to $1.24B in 2024 after sharp decline in 2022, attracted over $22B since 1990
  • Zambia recorded its highest-ever FDI inflow in 2013 at $2.10 billion.
  • After dipping to a negative inflow of -$0.07 billion in 2022, Zambia recovered to $1.24 billion in 2024.
  • The country experienced its first billion-dollar inflow in 2007, marking a turning point in foreign investment.
  • FDI inflow was consistently below $0.5 billion throughout the 1990s, indicating limited investor confidence during that period.
Côte d'Ivoire’s FDI sees dramatic turn in 2024, jumping to $3.8B, over two times 2022 levels and its highest since 1990
  • Côte d'Ivoire attracted $3.80 billion in FDI in 2024, its highest annual inflow ever recorded, more than double 2022’s $1.6 billion.
  • Between 1990 and 2016, its FDI remained mostly below $1 billion annually, only beginning to surge from 2017 onwards.
  • The country crossed the $1 billion mark for the first time in 2021, signalling increased investor confidence and macroeconomic improvements.
  • Over the last three years (2022–2024) alone, Côte d'Ivoire drew in $7.89 billion in FDI, accounting for over 40% of total inflow since 1990.
Ethiopia’s FDI inflows rose from $10M in the 1990s to $3.98B in 2024, with its sharpest growth phase recorded from 2014–2016
  • Ethiopia recorded a total of $46.43 billion in foreign direct investment between 1990 and 2024.
  • Its annual FDI inflows surged from just $10 million in 1990 to $3.98 billion in 2024, reflecting massive investor interest over time.
  • The country experienced three major FDI booms in 1997–2004, 2011–2014, and 2015–2016, driven by policy reforms and industrial expansion.
  • After a pandemic-era dip in 2020, Ethiopia rebounded strongly in 2021 with $4.26 billion in inflows, maintaining high investment momentum through 2024
Morocco hit its $3.5B FDI peak twice, in 2014 and 2018
  • Morocco recorded a total of $54.58 billion in FDI over the past 34 years.
  • Morocco's FDI inflows peaked twice, in 2014 and 2018, both $3.5 billion.
  • The lowest FDI inflow Morocco recorded was in 1990, amounting to $0.17 billion.
  • From 2006 onward, Morocco's FDI inflows remained mostly above $1 billion, with fluctuations.
  • The most recent year, 2024, showed a modest recovery after a significant dip in 2023.
South Africa witnessed a record FDI inflow spike in 2021 with $40.22b, followed by a sharp decline in 2022
  • In 2021, there was a record-breaking spike to $40.22 billion, far exceeding all previous years.
  • This surge was temporary, as FDI dropped to $9.28B in 2022 and fell further to $2.47B in 2024.
  • Other notable peaks occurred in 2008 ($9.21B) and 2013 ($8.30B).
  • The data reflects volatile investor behaviour, influenced by constant global investors.
  • South Africa’s 2021 FDI spike came from a share swap between Naspers and its Dutch unit, Prosus.
DR Congo’s FDI inflows rose from near-zero in the 1990s to $3.11B in 2024, with its highest growth phase occurring between 2007 and 2012
  • The 1990s saw multiple years of flat or negative FDI, including -$0.02B in 1995 and -$0.04B in 1997.
  • FDI surged to $1.81B in 2007 and $2.94B in 2010, marking a turning point.
  • The all-time high was $3.31B in 2012, with 2024 following closely at $3.11B.
  • From 2015 to 2024, annual FDI remained steadily above $1B, signalling sustained investor confidence.
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