The Six Sectors in Africa Currently Attracting Global Investors

Global investors are turning to Africa with renewed focus, drawn to six fast-growing sectors: agriculture, critical minerals, data centers, renewable energy, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Tens of billions of dollars are already flowing into the continent this year, as global trade realigns in response to U.S. tariffs.

China alone is backing $30.5 billion in new construction contracts across Africa in the first half of 2025, five times more than during the same period last year.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), once fully operational by 2035, is expected to become the largest free-trade bloc globally, with a market value of $3.4 trillion, solidifying Africa’s position as a key player in the global trade realignment.

Africa’s fundamentals are powerful. The continent holds approximately 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves and 60% of land suitable for solar energy, yet contributes less than 2% of global manufacturing and data center capacity.

Its young, urbanizing population, fast-growing consumer markets, and rapid digitalization are driving momentum in key investment sectors.

Across industries, opportunities are expanding. Africa holds about 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, while sub-Saharan Africa could capture over 10% of global revenue from the trillion-dollar critical minerals market.

Data center investment is on the rise as mobile data traffic in the region is expected to quadruple by 2030, and renewable energy is gaining traction, with electricity demand projected to double by 2040. Meanwhile, manufacturing and hydrocarbons continue to remain critical for export earnings and economic diversification.

Yet, sustained growth will rely on overcoming structural challenges. The African Development Bank estimates an annual infrastructure financing gap of $108 billion, while high debt, fragmented regulation, and policy uncertainty still deter some investors.

Long-term success will require linking capital to capacity, strengthening logistics, energy access, and governance. With the right policy frameworks and deeper trade integration under AfCFTA, Africa can move from a supplier of raw materials to a competitive, high-value hub in the global economy.