More than 80 per cent of global foreign direct investment went to just 20 economies in 2025, while investment in critical sectors across developing countries fell by over 25 per cent in the first half of 2026, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has reported.
The decline affected infrastructure, energy, health and food systems, raising concerns about the ability of developing economies to finance essential services and sustain long-term growth.
The findings were contained in UNCTAD’s latest Global Investment Trends Monitor, released as the ninth World Investment Forum opened in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday.
Despite an increase in the overall value of international investment during the first half of 2026, the report said new investment projects and cross-border transactions continued to decline globally.
This suggests that the rise in investment value has not translated into wider access to financing for developing countries, many of which need capital to improve infrastructure, expand energy supply, strengthen healthcare and boost food security.
UNCTAD attributed the difficult investment environment to factors including geopolitical tensions, energy price pressures and supply chain disruptions. It also highlighted the concentration of global investment in a limited number of economies.
The trends are expected to feature prominently at the World Investment Forum, which runs until October 27 and brings together governments, investors and business leaders to explore ways to channel capital towards underserved markets.
Held under the theme “Investing in the Future”, the forum has attracted more than 5,000 participants, including government officials, chief executives, investors, sovereign wealth fund leaders and representatives of international organisations.
The programme features more than 80 sessions and over 400 speakers discussing investment policy, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, climate change, tourism and special economic zones.
For the first time, the forum has dedicated a programme track to artificial intelligence, with discussions focusing on how developing economies can attract investment in AI infrastructure and digital technologies.
Participants will also examine how investment can support reconstruction and economic recovery in fragile and conflict-affected countries, as well as opportunities in the space industry, arts and culture.
Two ministerial meetings on investment and entrepreneurship are scheduled to address policy priorities and international cooperation.
UNCTAD, which has organised the World Investment Forum since 2008, said the event provides a platform for shaping investment policies, facilitating partnerships and mobilising capital for inclusive and sustainable development.
The latest findings underscore the challenge facing developing economies: attracting investment while ensuring that funding reaches sectors capable of improving living standards, supporting economic growth and strengthening resilience.
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