Top 10 sectors attracting global investment in 2026

Global investors announced about $538 billion in cross-border greenfield investment in the first half of 2026, with communications, renewable energy and energy projects taking a large share of the capital. Data from fDi Intelligence shows that communications attracted the largest amount of pledged investment between January and June, with $139.3 billion committed to new projects. The figures cover greenfield foreign direct investment, which involves the creation of new projects and facilities. They exclude mergers and acquisitions and intercompany loans. Data centres accounted for more than 94 percent of the investment in communications, highlighting the growing demand for digital infrastructure as companies expand their use of artificial intelligence. Here are the 10 sectors that attracted the most greenfield FDI in the first half of 2026. 1. Communications: $139.3 billion Communications ranked first, attracting $139.3 billion in announced investment. Data centres were the main driver, receiving more than $131 billion of the capital committed to the sector. The spending reflects the infrastructure required to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services. The scale of investment also means communications attracted almost twice the capital committed to renewable energy, which ranked second. 2. Renewable energy: $73.3 billion Renewable energy attracted $73.3 billion in the first six months of 2026. The sector received about $29 billion more than coal, oil and gas, showing the amount of capital being directed towards new energy projects. Investment in renewable energy includes projects such as solar and other forms of clean power generation. 3. Coal, oil and gas: $44.7 billion Coal, oil and gas attracted $44.7 billion during the period. Despite the growth of renewable energy investment, conventional energy remained among the largest destinations for cross-border capital. The figure places the sector third on the global list, ahead of semiconductors and transportation. 4. Semiconductors: $38.8 billion Semiconductor projects attracted $38.8 billion in greenfield investment. The sector remains linked to the expansion of technologies that require computing capacity, including data centres, artificial intelligence systems and electronic devices. The investment also points to continued efforts by businesses to build and expand semiconductor production capacity across markets. 5. Transportation and warehousing: $24.9 billion Transportation and warehousing received $24.9 billion. Investment in this sector supports the movement and storage of goods, connecting production centres with consumers and international markets. Its position among the top five sectors shows that physical infrastructure continues to attract capital alongside digital infrastructure. 6. Real estate: $23.9 billion Real estate attracted $23.9 billion in the first half of 2026. The sector ranked just behind transportation and warehousing, with investment going into new property developments and related projects. 7. Metals: $23.7 billion Metals received $23.7 billion in announced greenfield investment. The sector’s position reflects continued investment in facilities connected to industrial production and the supply of materials needed across manufacturing and infrastructure. 8. Industrial equipment: $14.6 billion Industrial equipment attracted $14.6 billion. Investment in the sector supports the production of machinery and equipment used by businesses across manufacturing and other industries. 9. Electronic components: $13.7 billion Electronic components attracted $13.7 billion, placing the sector ninth. The investment comes alongside capital flowing into semiconductors, communications and other technology-related sectors. 10. Software and IT services: $13.7 billion Software and IT services also attracted $13.7 billion. Although the sector ranked tenth by capital expenditure, its inclusion reflects the continued flow of foreign investment into technology services as businesses increase their dependence on digital systems. Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date Open In Whatsapp