Eswatini FDI Inflows
Foreign direct investment, net inflows as % of GDP BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS
Eswatini's fdi inflows was 0.99% in 2025, ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 36.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Eswatini's fdi inflows stood at 0.99% in 2025, a decline of +0.56% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.99% by 2025. Eswatini ranked 143rd globally.
Eswatini’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have remained modest, standing at 0.99 % of GDP in 2025, which places the kingdom at 143rd in the global ranking. The country’s experience contrasts sharply with its historical high of 13.46 % in 1979, a period when regional openness and commodity booms temporarily amplified capital entry. After that surge, inflows fluctuated and fell to a negative 2.80 % in 2003, reflecting a severe outflow that coincided with domestic political uncertainty and a contraction in key export sectors. Over the 54‑year series, the average level remains well below peers such as Sri Lanka (1.01 % in 2025) and Morocco (0.90 % in 2025), indicating a persistent gap in attracting sustained foreign capital. Recent policy reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and diversifying the economy could help lift the trajectory, but without further structural changes the inflow rate is likely to hover near current levels in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | FDI Inflows | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 0.89% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 0.94% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.99% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.99% | −0.56% | #143 |
| 2024 | 1.55% | +0.95% | #121 |
| 2023 | 0.61% | +0.33% | #145 |
| 2022 | 0.28% | −2.07% | #167 |
| 2021 | 2.35% | +1.41% | #112 |
| 2020 | 0.94% | −1.83% | #127 |
| 2019 | 2.77% | +2.10% | #94 |
| 2018 | 0.67% | +1.96% | #156 |
| 2017 | -1.29% | −2.01% | #183 |
| 2016 | 0.72% | −0.08% | #161 |
| 2015 | 0.81% | +0.20% | #149 |
| 2014 | 0.60% | −1.23% | #169 |
| 2013 | 1.83% | +1.27% | #124 |
| 2012 | 0.56% | −1.53% | #176 |
| 2011 | 2.09% | −1.02% | #128 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eswatini matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fdi inflows improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Eswatini's fdi inflows was 0.99% in 2025. Ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 36.0% decrease from the previous year.
Eswatini's fdi inflows peaked at 13.46% in 1979.
The lowest fdi inflows in Eswatini was -2.80% in 2003.
Eswatini ranks 143rd globally in fdi inflows as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Eswatini's fdi inflows is projected to reach 0.99% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fdi inflows of Eswatini in 2025 was 0.99%. This ranks 143rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eswatini_fdi-inflows,
title = {Eswatini FDI Inflows},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eswatini/fdi-inflows/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}