The latest figures from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) show that Africa attracted more than $100bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2025. Yet the headline number only tells part of the story. Beneath it lies a continent where investment is becoming increasingly concentrated, with a relatively small group of countries emerging as clear winners in the competition for global capital.
Globally, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows rose by 14 percent in 2025 to approximately $1.6 trillion, though growth was heavily concentrated in developed economies, which saw a 43 percent increase. In contrast, flows to developing economies declined by 2 percent, with the least developed countries particularly affected; three-quarters experienced stagnant or falling investment.
Egypt emerged as Africa’s top destination for foreign direct investment in 2025, attracting an estimated $11 billion in inflows in a year marked by declining investment across the continent. According to the UNCTAD’s latest Global Investment Trends Monitor, the North African country ranked ahead of other major African economies despite a sharp regional slowdown.
Here are the top countries in Africa attracting the largest FDI inflows in 2025:
1. Egypt – $10.5bn
2. Nigeria – $5.6bn
3. South Africa – $5.2bn
4. Angola – $4bn
5. Ethiopia – $3.6bn
6. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – $3.1bn
7. Côte d’Ivoire – $2.9bn
8. Kenya – $2.8bn
9. Mozambique – $2.5bn
10. Mauritius – $2bn
