Inflows of foreign direct investment into Africa decreased by 44% from 2021 to 2022
Global inflows of foreign direct investment fell by 12% in 2022, and Africa saw a 44% decline from $80 billion in 2021 to $45 billion. According to UNCTAD data, only two of Africa's five major regions — North and East Africa — saw a rise in FDI in 2022.
Source:
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
MTN Nigeria leads at ₦16.38 trillion, making it the most valuable listed company.
The top three firms (MTN Nigeria, BUA Foods, and Dangote Cement) are far ahead of the rest, each exceeding ₦13 trillion.
9 of the 26 companies are in the financial services sector.
Telecoms and manufacturing dominate the upper tier, highlighting infrastructure and essential services as market anchors.
Energy companies are firmly positioned, reflecting their central role in the economy.
Market concentration is high, as a few giants carry disproportionate weight relative to the 122 sub-₦1 trillion firms.
Sector diversity exists within the top 26, but most belong to industries tied to basic economic activity rather than emerging tech or high-growth startups.