Economic & financial indicators

Africa

External financial flows into Africa came to a total of $178bn in 2016, according to the OECD, down from $183bn the year before. This was largely driven by a 60% fall in the value of inflows of portfolio investments. In 2015 these made up 9% of external inflows; in 2016 they accounted for only 4%. Global shocks mean investors have been buying fewer developing-country assets. Inflows of official development assistance and remittances also fell. But foreign direct investment in Africa increased by 10%. Countries in the Middle East and Asia are becoming a source of cash for greenfield projects. Total external inflows are expected to increase slightly this year, partly due to a projected rise in remittances.

This article appeared in the Economic & financial indicators section of the print edition under the headline "Africa"

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Economic data, commodities and markets

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