Holding companies accounted for nearly 68% of Nigeria’s US direct investment balance in 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Nigeria held Africa’s fourth-largest US direct investment balance in 2025, at $4.56 billion.
  • The balance fell by $1.98 billion from $6.54 billion in 2024, a decline of 30.3%.
  • Nonbank holding companies accounted for $3.08 billion, or 67.7% of Nigeria’s total balance.
  • Manufacturing represented $552 million, or 12.1%, while other industries accounted for $921 million.
  • Holding-company assets may ultimately be deployed in other sectors, so the classification does not show their final use.

Nigeria held Africa’s fourth-largest US direct investment balance in 2025, behind Mauritius, South Africa and Egypt. The total fell by $1.98 billion from $6.54 billion in 2024 to $4.56 billion, driven mainly by reductions in manufacturing and holding companies.

Of the 2025 balance, $3.08 billion was recorded under nonbank holding companies, while manufacturing accounted for $552 million. The remaining $921 million covered wholesale trade, information, banking, mining and other industries.

The classification reflects the primary industry of each Nigerian affiliate. A holding company may own businesses operating in other sectors, so the category does not necessarily show where all the underlying assets are deployed.

Source:

US Bureau of Economic Analysis

Period:

2025
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