Nicaragua FDI Inflows
Foreign direct investment, net inflows as % of GDP BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS
Nicaragua's fdi inflows was 7.18% in 2025, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 4.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's fdi inflows stood at 7.18% in 2025, a rise of +0.32% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.18% by 2025. Nicaragua ranked 39th globally.
Nicaragua’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have risen modestly over the 56‑year series, moving from a low of 1.93 in 1970 to a peak of 9.58 in 2011, before settling at 7.18 in 2025, which places the country 39th in the global ranking. The all‑time trough of –0.00 in 1988 reflects the severe political and economic disruptions of the late 1980s, while the 2011 high coincided with a period of liberalised trade policies and infrastructure projects that attracted multinational interest. Compared with peers of similar rank, Nicaragua’s 2025 inflow of 7.18 is slightly below Andorra’s 7.24 and above Georgia’s 6.91, suggesting a competitive but not leading position in attracting FDI within its cohort. The modest upward trajectory since the 1988 trough indicates resilience, yet future growth will depend on maintaining macro‑economic stability, improving the investment climate, and expanding sectors such as renewable energy that can draw additional foreign capital.
Data & projection
| Year | FDI Inflows | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 7.36% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.27% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 7.18% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.18% | +0.32% | #39 |
| 2024 | 6.87% | +0.61% | #29 |
| 2023 | 6.26% | −1.98% | #32 |
| 2022 | 8.23% | +0.86% | #24 |
| 2021 | 7.37% | +1.50% | #36 |
| 2020 | 5.87% | +1.90% | #33 |
| 2019 | 3.96% | −2.47% | #65 |
| 2018 | 6.43% | −1.08% | #25 |
| 2017 | 7.51% | +0.07% | #27 |
| 2016 | 7.44% | −0.14% | #36 |
| 2015 | 7.58% | −1.48% | #32 |
| 2014 | 9.06% | +0.28% | #23 |
| 2013 | 8.79% | +1.42% | #26 |
| 2012 | 7.37% | −2.21% | #45 |
| 2011 | 9.58% | +3.99% | #34 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua 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
Nicaragua's fdi inflows was 7.18% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
Nicaragua's fdi inflows peaked at 9.58% in 2011.
The lowest fdi inflows in Nicaragua was 0.00% in 1988.
Nicaragua ranks 39th globally in fdi inflows as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nicaragua's fdi inflows is projected to reach 7.18% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fdi inflows of Nicaragua in 2025 was 7.18%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_fdi-inflows,
title = {Nicaragua FDI Inflows},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/fdi-inflows/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}