UNCTAD report reveals global FDI decline and digital investment concentration
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has published its World Investment Report 2025, showing global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell 11% following a $1.5trn total in 2024. The report highlights digital economy FDI grew 14%, but remains concentrated in 10 countries controlling 80% of new projects. UNCTAD proposes reforms across seven areas including data governance, digital infrastructure and global investment rules to address digital investment gaps in developing economies. Development-critical sectors saw significant declines, with renewable energy (-31%), transport (-32%), and water infrastructure (-30%) particularly affected.