Egypt's FDI Landscape and the Rise of Mega Greenfield Projects in Africa
Key Ideas
  • FDI inflows to Egypt fell by 13.7 percent in 2023, but FDI outflows rose by 14 percent annually.
  • Egypt and Morocco are highlighted as key North African destinations for investment due to government initiatives.
  • Africa saw a decline in FDI inflows, but there is an increase in mega greenfield projects, particularly in Egypt with agreements worth $10.8 billion.
  • Global FDI trends show lower growth compared to global trade, with a shift towards the service sector and a decline in manufacturing FDI post-pandemic.
The UNCTAD World Investment Report revealed that FDI inflows to Egypt decreased by 13.7 percent in 2023, amounting to $9.8 billion. However, FDI outflows from Egypt increased by 14 percent annually, reaching $390 million in the same year. The report also highlighted a 3 percent decline in total FDI inflows in Africa to $53 billion, with a particular drop in investments in Egypt and South Africa. Egypt and Morocco were singled out as key investment destinations in North Africa, with various government initiatives aimed at improving the investment landscape. One notable development is the increase in mega greenfield projects in Africa, with six projects valued at over $5 billion each. Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone secured agreements totaling $10.8 billion for green ammonia and hydrogen projects, showcasing a focus on green initiatives. Despite these positive aspects, international project finance deals in Africa saw a significant 50 percent decline in 2023, totaling $64 billion. On a global scale, FDI growth has been slower than global trade and GDP expansion for over a decade. The report highlighted a shift towards the service sector in cross-border investments, while manufacturing FDI faced challenges, especially post-pandemic. This transition signals a trend of regionalization and deglobalization, alongside a concentration of investments in high-value sectors like services and ICT.
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