Africa’s Rising FDI Magnet: What Makes Vingroup’s Next Destination So Unique?

According to the latest UNCTAD World Investment Report, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa surged a record-breaking 75% in 2024, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerging as a standout "hotspot" for investment inflows.

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), endowed with abundant natural resources, a strategic geographic location, and a vast human potential, stands as one of Africa’s most promising nations for economic development and investment.

The National Investment Promotion Agency of DRC (ANAPI) highlights key sectors targeted for development and investment attraction: Mining and Mineral Resources; Energy and Electrification; Agriculture and Agro-Industry; Infrastructure and Public Works; Tourism and Cultural Heritage…

A Treasure Trove of Valuable Assets and Potential

Data reveals that DRC is Africa’s leading emerging FDI hotspot, ranking 5th in capital inflows with $3.11 billion in 2024 (according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025) and among the top 10 in growth rate. The mining sector significantly contributes to this growth.

Dubbed the “Saudi Arabia of Africa,” DRC boasts remarkable mineral reserves, accounting for 70% of global cobalt – a critical component in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and tech devices. Additionally, the country holds nearly 30% of the world’s diamond production, along with the fourth-largest copper reserves, substantial gold, lithium, coltan, and manganese deposits.

DRC’s allure lies in the strategic nature of these resources. Amid the ongoing digital and green energy revolution, DRC’s cobalt and lithium have become invaluable assets, driving massive FDI into mining, which constitutes over 80% of foreign investment in DRC.

Infrastructure is another high-potential sector, with urgent needs in road, rail, airport, and seaport upgrades, industrial and logistics zones, residential real estate, and public utilities… ANAPI emphasizes infrastructure as a priority sector supported by public-private partnerships (PPPs) and multilateral funding.

DRC is actively promoting infrastructure investment

Infrastructure currently accounts for 8.5% of total foreign investment (direct and indirect) in DRC from 2019-2023, with highway and airport projects attracting Chinese and European investors. In 2024, this sector continues to grow, fueled by rising logistics demand. DRC’s membership in AfCFTA – a 1.3 billion-person market – further expands export opportunities for industrial projects.

Tourism, though underdeveloped, holds immense potential with DRC’s unique natural and cultural offerings. UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites (Virunga, Garamba, Kahuzi-Biega, etc.), unique wildlife (mountain gorillas, okapis, forest elephants), active volcanoes, majestic waterfalls and lakes, and diverse cultural and artisanal traditions await exploration.

Institutional reforms are equally crucial. Under President Félix Tshisekedi’s leadership, the Congolese government has accelerated comprehensive reforms, focusing on macroeconomic stability, transparent public financial management, and an improved legal framework for the private sector. ANAPI is also streamlining administrative procedures, expediting licensing, and encouraging strategic partnerships for large-scale projects.

A Foundation for Vingroup’s African Expansion

Recently, in Kinshasa, DRC’s capital, the city government and Vingroup, led by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, signed a memorandum of understanding to study and develop large-scale urban projects and green transportation systems. Vingroup’s Kinshasa project will leverage DRC’s vast potential.

With infrastructure as DRC’s top priority, Kinshasa authorities will grant Vingroup 6,300 hectares of land for a riverside megacity. Planned between the southern bank of the Congo River and N’djili International Airport, this modern urban complex will include residential areas, villas, apartments, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, hotels, entertainment zones, and future government offices.

Additionally, the government will collaborate with Vingroup to convert over 300,000 gasoline vehicles to electric, deploy electric buses, and establish charging stations operated by VinFast and GSM. This plan maximizes DRC’s industrial and energy potential.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs for DRC’s young workforce, enhance the quality of life for Kinshasa’s 17 million residents, and set a model for sustainable urban development in Africa.

During a recent meeting with Vingroup, Prime Minister Suminwa praised Vingroup’s comprehensive capabilities, sustainable development vision, and international expertise, expressing strong support for the group’s proposals. She emphasized the Congolese government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector and international investors to create mutually beneficial models, improving Congolese citizens’ lives.

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi (second from right), Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka (far right), and Vingroup Vice Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Thuy (second from left) during a cooperation meeting in Congo (Photo: Presidence)

Commenting on Vingroup’s expansion into emerging markets like Africa, India, and Indonesia, Nguyen The Trung, Capigrow CEO and financial expert, views this as a logical, long-term strategy reflecting the group’s growing scale and international-standard capabilities in large-scale projects.

First, after over two decades of development, Vingroup has proven its ability to execute international-caliber complex projects, from real estate, healthcare, and education to energy and electric vehicles. These projects not only match regional giants in scale and standards but also showcase Vietnam’s advanced management, finance, and technology capabilities.

Second, Vietnam enjoys a stable, trustworthy global political and diplomatic standing, uninvolved in major disputes or crises. This “national trust advantage” makes cooperation with Vietnamese enterprises like Vingroup attractive to countries like Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, and India.

Third, this move aligns with East Asian economies’ development cycles. Historically, South Korea, Japan, and China expanded overseas during their “demographic dividend” phases to seek markets, resources, and partnerships. Vietnam, now in a similar stage with rising internal capacity, a young population, and global ambitions, sees pioneers like Vingroup leading this journey.

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