Pic: UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) | Winners of the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Awards at the World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, on 25 October 2026.
The Ethiopian Investment Commission and four other investment promotion institutions have emerged as winners of the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Awards, organised by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The other winners are the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Invest KOREA, Invest Qatar and Tanger Med Industrial Platform of Morocco.
The awards were presented to the recipients at the ninth World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar.
In a statement published on its website, UNCTAD said four trade and investment promotion agencies and one special economic zone were selected from 48 entries across 40 countries for their innovative approaches to investment promotion and facilitation.
The winners were recognised for their effectiveness in mobilising sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI), advancing digital transformation and contributing to sustainable development.
UNCTAD noted that investment in the digital economy could expand connectivity, strengthen innovation ecosystems, create skilled jobs and accelerate sustainable development. However, it warned that the benefits remained unevenly distributed across countries.
According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025, global greenfield investment in the digital economy reached $360 billion in 2024, nearly three times its 2020 level.
However, developing countries attracted only 30 per cent of global investment in the sector over the five years to 2024, underscoring the need for investment promotion agencies to attract more inclusive and sustainable digital investment.
Why the Agencies Won
Ethiopian Investment Commission
The Ethiopian Investment Commission was recognised for facilitating investment in digital connectivity and financial inclusion, particularly through its support for Safaricom Ethiopia and the expansion of M-PESA Ethiopia, a mobile financial services platform.
As of March 31, 2026, Safaricom Ethiopia had 13.6 million active subscribers, operated 3,504 network sites and provided 4G coverage to 59 per cent of the country’s population.
M-PESA Ethiopia had also attracted 5.2 million customers.
UNCTAD said the initiative was helping to strengthen competition, expand broadband access and digital payments, and support the development of e-commerce, fintech and digital public services.
Caribbean Export Development Agency
The Caribbean Export Development Agency was recognised for promoting regional investment through the Caribbean Investment Forum, which connects investment-ready projects with international capital.
Between 2022 and 2025, the platform showcased 30 projects with a combined investment pipeline exceeding $170 million.
Its regional investment approach, which positions the Caribbean as a unified investment destination, has also supported cross-border joint ventures in digital services and other transformational sectors.
Invest KOREA
Invest KOREA received the award for strengthening the semiconductor supply chain by attracting foreign investment into semiconductor materials, parts and equipment.
Since 2023, the initiative has mobilised $518 million in foreign direct investment and is expected to generate more than 680 direct jobs by 2027.
The agency combined artificial intelligence-based investor targeting, high-level engagement and coordinated investment incentives to attract funding for production facilities and research and development.
Invest Qatar
Invest Qatar was recognised for attracting and supporting high-potential startups through its Startup Qatar initiative.
Since 2024, the programme has facilitated the establishment of more than 850 startups through incentives that include free and expedited business registration, AI computing credits and tailored residency programmes.
Its funding programmes have attracted more than 10,000 applications and enabled over 50 startups to secure more than $100 million in funding.
Tanger Med Industrial Platform, Morocco
Tanger Med Industrial Platform was recognised for attracting and facilitating investment in digital services and solutions, particularly through the establishment of the ALTEN Delivery Center Maroc at Tétouan Shore.
