Africa continues to strengthen its appeal to international investors. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026, published in July 2026, the continent attracted nearly US$70 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) during 2025, one of the highest levels recorded in almost three decades.
This performance comes despite slower global investment flows, reflecting growing investor confidence in Africa’s economic prospects.
Beyond the overall volume, the report highlights a significant shift in investment quality. FDI is increasingly directed toward strategic industries, including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, basic materials, mining, and industrial value chains. This trend demonstrates investors’ willingness to support projects that generate higher value added and accelerate Africa’s industrialization.
Energy projects—particularly renewable energy—together with transport, logistics, and industrial infrastructure remain the leading destinations for foreign capital, helping strengthen the continent’s competitiveness and its integration into global value chains.
According to UNCTAD, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is becoming a major driver of investment by providing access to a unified market of more than 1.4 billion people, encouraging the development of regional industrial projects.
Morocco is also highlighted as one of Africa’s leading industrial platforms, supported by modern infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, and competitive sectors such as automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, and electrical industries.
The report concludes that Africa’s next challenge is to transform these investment flows into sustainable growth through stronger local value creation, technology transfer, job creation, and enhanced industrial competitiveness.
