Egypt tops Africa in foreign direct investment inflows

Egypt has become Africa’s leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) for the fourth consecutive year, recording total inflows of US$15.5 billion, according to the country’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade. This is reported by MENA, a TV BRICS partner.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 World Investment Report issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid Saleh said Egypt also ranked second among Arab countries in attracting foreign investment.

He noted that global investment flows increased by 6 per cent, with a significant share directed towards digital infrastructure and technology sectors. Developing economies received around US$900 billion in total inflows, while Africa attracted approximately US$70 billion, highlighting the need for new international mechanisms to support investment-led development.

The minister said countries worldwide are increasingly reforming investment frameworks by simplifying procedures, adopting digital solutions and identifying priority sectors to remain competitive amid changes in the global economy.

As part of Egypt’s efforts to modernise its investment environment, authorities are developing a unified digital platform for establishing economic entities and obtaining licences. The system is designed to integrate 468 economic activities and connect licensing procedures issued by 82 government bodies, allowing investors to complete key administrative processes electronically.

The government has also identified 12 priority economic sectors for investment promotion, including industry, renewable energy, information and communications technology, tourism, healthcare, agriculture, transport and logistics, financial services, textiles, and automotive manufacturing.

The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade is also preparing a comprehensive foreign investment strategy focused on identifying high-potential sectors, increasing productive investment flows and supporting sustainable economic growth.