COMESA Economic Bloc Secures 67 Percent of Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment as Inflows Surge to Sh8.4 Trillion

COMESA captures 67% of Africa's FDI as regional inflows hit $65 billion. Learn how Kenya's investment growth and new digital tools are shaping the 2026 economy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 8:20 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Star

Historic Capital Surge in the COMESA Region

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has achieved a landmark position on the global stage, now accounting for 67 percent of all Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) directed toward the African continent. According to data released at the second COMESA Investment Forum in Nairobi, the bloc experienced a historic 154 percent surge in capital inflows during 2024, totaling approximately $65 billion. Heba Salama, CEO of the COMESA Regional Investment Agency, noted that the region’s share of global FDI has doubled from two percent to four percent within a single year. This growth indicates a robust shift in investor sentiment, as the 21-member economic bloc leverages its combined GDP of over $1 trillion to attract large-scale catalytic projects despite persistent global economic volatility.

Kenya Reaches Milestone Investment Thresholds

Within the broader regional success, Kenya has solidified its status as a primary investment hub by surpassing a critical financial milestone. Last year, FDI inflows into the Kenyan economy grew by more than 15 percent, exceeding $2 billion for the first recorded time in the country’s history. During the concurrent Kenya International Investment Conference, the government announced 20 new deals valued at over $2.9 billion. These investments span diverse sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, ICT, and real estate. The surge is being attributed to enhanced regulatory clarity and a strategic focus on high-impact sectors that align with both local development goals and international investor interests.

Sectoral Shifts and Emerging Growth Drivers

Investment priorities within the COMESA region are undergoing a noticeable transformation, with the construction industry emerging as a primary engine of economic expansion. Recent reports indicate that investment in construction has seen a nearly fivefold increase, while the renewable energy sector has grown by 67 percent. Kenya, in particular, has been highlighted as a leader in attracting green energy capital. Additionally, social sectors are witnessing a significant influx of funds, with health and education investments rising by 130 percent. However, this growth is contrasted by a decline in food, agriculture, and water sanitation investments, suggesting that targeted policy interventions will be necessary to balance th...