Launching the World Investment Report 2025, Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan warns that foreign direct investment is drifting away from the countries and sectors most in need.
© UN Trade and Development/William Albors | Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan launches the World Investment Report 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside Nan Li Collins, director of UNCTAD's investment division.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan launched the World Investment Report 2025 today in Geneva, delivering a powerful call to action as she unveiled new data showing a continued decline in global foreign direct investment (FDI) – with dire consequences for developing countries.
“Productive foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 11% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of decline. This is not just a downturn – it’s a pattern,” Ms. Grynspan warned.
Steep declines in sectors vital for development
The report underscores that investment shortfalls are stalling jobs, infrastructure and sustainable development – especially in the least developed and most vulnerable economies.
Key development sectors have seen dramatic drops: renewable energy (-31%), water and sanitation (-30%), and agrifood systems (-19%). While health investment rose nearly 20%, it still represents under $15 billion globally.
FDI in digital sectors surges, but most developing countries miss out
FDI flows to the digital economy grew 14%. But 80% of greenfield projects in digital sectors in the Global South went to just 10 countries, leaving most developing nations excluded from the digital transformation.
Signs of resilience amid the global downturn
Still, Grynspan highlighted signs of resilience. FDI in Africa surged 75%, South-East Asia saw record greenfield levels, and momentum was seen in India, the Gulf and parts of Latin America.
‘Time to act is now’
The report proposes a six-point action plan, from reforming the global financial architecture to closing the digital investment divide.
Ms. Grynspan concluded with a stark reminder: “We are not just launching another report. We are sounding an alarm. The time to act is now.”
The launch of the World Investment Report sets the stage for urgent global dialogue ahead of the 4th Financing for Development Conference in Seville, Spain, later this month.