Investment in critical sectors across developing countries fell by more than 25 per cent in the first half of 2026, despite an increase in the overall value of international investment, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). 

The decline affected sectors essential to economic development, including infrastructure, energy, health and food systems, highlighting the widening gap between global investment flows and the financing needs of developing economies.

UNCTAD disclosed this in its latest Global Investment Trends Monitor, released yesterday as the ninth edition of the World Investment Forum opened in Doha, Qatar.

The three-day forum, running from October 25 to 27, brings together governments, investors and business leaders to explore ways of directing capital towards economies and industries that need it most.

According to the report, the increase in the overall value of international investment in the first half of the year was supported by major transactions in strategic sectors. However, new investment projects and cross-border transactions continued to decline globally.

The development suggests that the headline increase in investment value has not translated into broader financing opportunities for developing countries, particularly those seeking capital to strengthen infrastructure, energy supply, healthcare and food security.

UNCTAD also noted that global foreign direct investment (FDI) remained heavily concentrated in a limited number of economies, with more than 80 per cent of worldwide FDI flowing to just 20 economies in 2025.

The concentration of capital, alongside geopolitical tensions, energy price pressures and supply chain disruptions, continues to weigh on the investment outlook and complicate efforts by developing countries to attract funding.

The World Investment Forum is expected to provide a platform for policymakers and investors to address these challenges and explore partnerships that could help direct investment towards underserved markets.

Held under the theme, “Investing in the Future,” the event has attracted more than 5,000 participants, including heads of government, ministers, chief executives, investors, sovereign wealth fund leaders, representatives of international organisations and more than 200 international journalists.

Four prime ministers from Qatar, Lesotho, Libya and Madagascar are expected to attend, alongside four deputy prime ministers and nearly 50 government ministers.

The programme features more than 80 sessions and over 400 speakers discussing investment policy, artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, climate change, tourism, culture, investment promotion and special economic zones.

For the first time, the forum has dedicated a track to artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing importance of AI infrastructure as a destination for strategic investment.

Discussions will examine how developing economies can benefit from investment in AI infrastructure and digital technologies rather than risk falling further behind countries with stronger technological and financial capabilities.

The programme also introduces discussions on investment in peace, focusing on how capital can support reconstruction and economic recovery in fragile and conflict-affected economies beyond immediate humanitarian assistance.

Another new session will examine investment opportunities in the space industry and how developing countries can participate in the expanding sector. Participants will also discuss investment opportunities in arts and culture.

Two ministerial meetings focusing on investment and entrepreneurship are scheduled to bring government representatives together to discuss policy priorities and opportunities for international cooperation.

The forum will also recognise achievements in investment promotion and entrepreneurship through its Investment Promotion Awards and Women in Business Awards.

To provide further insight into regional investment trends, UNCTAD is presenting three regional reports covering the Caribbean, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Organised by UNCTAD since 2008, the World Investment Forum seeks to shape investment policies, facilitate partnerships and identify practical measures to mobilise capital for inclusive and sustainable development.

The latest findings reinforce concerns that the challenge facing developing economies is not simply attracting more investment, but ensuring that capital reaches sectors capable of supporting long-term economic growth, improving living standards and strengthening resilience.