Lesotho FDI Inflows
Foreign direct investment, net inflows as % of GDP BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS
Lesotho's fdi inflows was -1.61% in 2025, ranked 179th globally. This represents a 190.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's fdi inflows stood at -1.61% in 2025, a decline of +1.06% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.61% by 2025. Lesotho ranked 179th globally.
Lesotho’s foreign direct investment inflows have deteriorated sharply, registering a negative balance of -1.61 % of GDP in 2025, which places the country 179th in the world and marks the all‑time trough after 51 years of data. The only year with a positive flow was 2009, when inflows peaked at 5.25 % of GDP, reflecting a brief period of investor confidence that has not been sustained. Since the earliest record in 1975, when inflows were zero, the trajectory has been volatile, with recent outflows exceeding those of peer economies such as Aruba (-1.43 % in 2025) and the United Kingdom (-2.13 % in 2025). The persistent negative balance suggests structural constraints, including limited market size and policy uncertainty, that deter foreign investors. Strengthening the investment climate through regulatory reforms and sectoral incentives could reverse the outflow trend and move Lesotho toward a more positive FDI position in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | FDI Inflows | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | -2.52% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -2.06% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.61% | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.61% | −1.06% | #179 |
| 2024 | -0.55% | +0.66% | #171 |
| 2023 | -1.21% | −0.88% | #179 |
| 2022 | -0.33% | +0.18% | #181 |
| 2021 | -0.51% | −1.88% | #181 |
| 2020 | 1.36% | −0.13% | #105 |
| 2019 | 1.49% | −0.10% | #135 |
| 2018 | 1.60% | −0.23% | #129 |
| 2017 | 1.83% | −1.92% | #130 |
| 2016 | 3.75% | −1.05% | #75 |
| 2015 | 4.80% | +0.93% | #58 |
| 2014 | 3.87% | +1.74% | #67 |
| 2013 | 2.13% | −0.16% | #116 |
| 2012 | 2.29% | −0.09% | #124 |
| 2011 | 2.37% | +1.95% | #115 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fdi inflows improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's fdi inflows was -1.61% in 2025. Ranked 179th globally. This represents a 190.7% decrease from the previous year.
Lesotho's fdi inflows peaked at 5.25% in 2009.
The lowest fdi inflows in Lesotho was -1.61% in 2025.
Lesotho ranks 179th globally in fdi inflows as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's fdi inflows is projected to reach -1.61% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fdi inflows of Lesotho in 2025 was -1.61%. This ranks 179th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_fdi-inflows,
title = {Lesotho FDI Inflows},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/fdi-inflows/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}