The Central Bank of Nicaragua published its report on the evolution of foreign direct investment (FDI) through the second half of 2025. Gross FDI inflows in 2025 totalled USD 3,059.2 million, down 4.0% from 2024, while net FDI flows rose 7.6% to USD 1,502.5 million. Gross inflows represented 13.8% of GDP (16.2% in 2024) and net flows 6.8% of GDP (7.1% in 2024). By component, related-party debt disbursements to resident firms with foreign capital amounted to USD 1,546.3 million (50.5% of gross inflows), followed by gross income of USD 1,131.0 million (37.0%) and capital contributions of USD 381.9 million (12.5%). Gross income and capital contributions increased 14.5% and 11.2% year on year, while related-party debt disbursements fell 16.6%; FDI firms also paid USD 1,476.6 million in related-party debt amortisation and USD 80.1 million in dividends. Net FDI flows were concentrated in manufacturing (USD 472.0 million, 31.4% of total), energy and mining (USD 466.5 million, 31.1%), and financial intermediation (USD 375.6 million, 25.0%), with the largest year-on-year increase in energy and mining (+77.1%). By source country, Panama (USD 382.6 million), Barbados (USD 263.6 million) and the United States (USD 196.1 million) accounted for the largest net inflows, alongside Mexico, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and Colombia.
Central Bank of Nicaragua 2026-03-18
Central Bank of Nicaragua publishes H2 2025 FDI report showing gross inflows fall to USD 3.06bn while net inflows rise to USD 1.50bn
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported a 4.0% decline in gross foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to USD 3,059.2 million in 2025, while net FDI flows rose 7.6% to USD 1,502.5 million. Related-party debt disbursements comprised 50.5% of gross inflows, with significant net FDI flows in manufacturing, energy and mining, and financial intermediation. Panama, Barbados, and the United States were the largest sources of net inflows.