KEY POINTS

• Nigeria Q1 capital inflows show strong UK dominance.

• Top five countries contributed over 92 percent of inflows.

• Sectors like tech, energy, and agriculture attract foreign investors.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that United Kingdom-based investors provided the bulk of Nigeria’s foreign capital in Q1 2025.

UK inflows surged to $3.68bn (N5.52tn at N1,500/$), accounting for 65.26 percent of the total $5.64bn inflows.

This represented a 29.2 percent increase compared with $2.85bn in Q4 2024 and a 103.9 percent jump from Q1 2024.

The figures highlight Britain’s dominant role as a gateway for capital into Nigeria and its strategic interest in African markets.

That interest is being propelled by demographic momentum, structural reforms, and rapid digital transformation reshaping the continent’s economic sector.

Top countries drive Nigeria Q1 capital inflows

South Africa emerged as the second-largest source with $501.29m, representing 8.88 percent of the total inflows in the quarter.

Mauritius supplied $394.51m, or 6.99 percent, while the United States contributed $368.92m, representing 6.54 percent of inflows.

The United Arab Emirates followed with $301.72m, or 5.35 percent, while other countries recorded smaller but notable contributions.

These included the Cayman Islands, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Singapore, which collectively held only marginal shares of the total.

The report stressed that the top five sources accounted for 92 percent of inflows, exposing Nigeria to possible investor volatility.

Sectors and strategic opportunities attract foreign investors

According to Punch, a research by Strategy Management Partners shows that half of UK companies with annual turnover above £20m already operate in African markets.

The survey highlights seven sectors attracting capital: technology, oil and gas, power including renewables, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and strategic minerals.

These interests are driven by Africa’s mineral reserves, its large share of arable land, and its youthful demographic potential.

The research emphasized Africa’s shifting economic identity, noting its transformation from a resource base to a strategic growth destination.