Egypt ranked first in Africa for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for the fourth consecutive year, recording inflows of $15.5 billion, while also placing second among Arab countries, reflecting investors’ confidence in the Egyptian economy and the country’s economic reform program, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh said. Speaking on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the launch of the World Investment Report 2026, the minister said the report, issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), highlights the shifts taking place in the global economy amid geopolitical tensions, growing national security considerations and changing international investment priorities. He noted that global FDI flows increased by six percent, although investments were heavily concentrated in digital infrastructure and technology sectors.
Total FDI inflows to developing countries reached around $900 billion, of which Africa attracted only about $70 billion. He called for international mechanisms to convert part of developing countries’ debt into investments that support growth and development. Farid said the report showed that many countries have expanded reforms to improve their investment climates by simplifying procedures, adopting technology, and identifying priority sectors for investment, thereby strengthening their competitiveness amid global economic changes.
He added that the government has approved the establishment of a unified digital platform for setting up business entities, covering 468 economic activities and licensing procedures issued by 82 government bodies. The platform will enable investors to complete incorporation procedures and obtain licenses electronically in record time as part of the state’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy and improve the investment climate. The minister also said the Ministry of Investment, in cooperation with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, has identified 12 priority sectors for investment promotion, including manufacturing, renewable energy, information and communications technology, tourism, healthcare, agriculture, transport and logistics, financial services, textiles and the automotive industry.
The initiative aims to attract more investment, deepen local manufacturing and enhance the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.
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