Xenophobia: Africa’s billion-dollar investment risk

As Africa positions itself as the world’s next major growth frontier, social stability has emerged as a defining determinant of capital allocation. In 2024, foreign direct investment into Africa surged by 75% to a record US$97 billion, representing 6% of global flows.  

Nevertheless, this momentum is increasingly at risk due to recurring waves of xenophobic violence in key economic hubs — most notably South Africa, the continent’s largest industrialized economy. 

This story is for NewsDay subscribers.