Foreign direct investment in Colombia fell by 10% in the first quarter of 2026, representing a loss of US$24 million compared to the same period the previous year.
The figure, in addition to marking a significant setback, brings the country back to levels of capital inflows not seen in five years, at a time when the economy is strained by a growing fiscal deficit, doubts from international rating agencies, and political polarization that inevitably spills over into the economy and external confidence.
The data confirms a shift in trend after several years of relative stability in the inflow of resources from abroad. Colombia, which had managed to maintain its appeal to international investors even amid high global volatility, now faces a more complex environment, where internal and external factors are beginning to weigh more heavily on investment decisions.
Foreign investment in Colombia hits a five-year low in 2026
The latest report from the Central Bank’s Exchange Balance (Banco de la República) indicates that between January and March of this year, Colombia recorded a flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) totaling US$2.129 billion.
This represents a 10% decline in the inflow of capital from companies and individuals into Colombia, reflecting the caution foreign investors are showing toward the South American country, along with the risks associated with emerging markets. However, it is worth noting that March showed a slight improvement, with investment increasing by 19% compared to the same month in 2025.
Even so, the situation in the first three months is a concern for central bank analysts, as it represents the lowest level of investment in the past five years. It is worth recalling that FDI in the first quarter of 2021 stood at US$1.658 billion.
Ultimately, the decline in investment reflects both a drop in international confidence in Colombia’s economic situation and a financing challenge for long-term projects. Its weakening may translate into fewer resources for strategic sectors and, consequently, a reduced capacity for economic growth in the medium term.
Oil and mining account for 79% of investment
Despite the declining weight of oil and mining in some aspects of Colombia’s economy—for example, in exports—this extractive sector, traditionally decisive in the country’s macroeconomy, continued to account for the majority of foreign investment at the start of 2026.
In fact, the sector attracted US$1.684 billion, equivalent to nearly 79% of the total invested during the period. By month, this segment reported US$558 million in January, US$526 million in February, and US$600 million in March, confirming its role as the main recipient of foreign capital in the country.
Despite these figures, mining investment also experienced a notable drop in the inflow of foreign capital. The first-quarter result represents a 6.13% decrease compared to the US$1.8 billion invested in the same period of 2025.
The global environment is also not favorable. Interest rates in developed economies remain at elevated levels, reducing the relative attractiveness of emerging markets. Investors, faced with better returns in countries considered safer, tend to rebalance their portfolios, reducing their exposure to regions such as Latin America.
In addition, geopolitical tensions and the economic slowdown in some of the world’s major economies have reinforced a more conservative stance. In this context, competition to attract foreign investment intensifies, and countries like Colombia must redouble their efforts to remain on the radar of major capital.
For its part, Colombia needs to reverse this situation, which jeopardizes investment and the proper functioning of an emerging economy that—as a stated objective of the government—aims to consolidate growth that can translate into improved living conditions for its citizens.