Banguat Highlights Strong Growth in Foreign Direct Investment Through 2026
Banguat projects Guatemala's foreign direct investment to reach US$2.065 billion in 2026, driven by financial services, trade, manufacturing, and strong business reinvestment.
Banguat expects Guatemala's foreign direct investment (FDI) to reach US$2.065 billion by the end of 2026, reflecting sustained growth over recent years. The latest projections from the central bank highlight increasing investor confidence, while government efforts to attract productive capital continue to strengthen the country's position as an investment destination.
Foreign Direct Investment Has More Than Doubled Since 2020
According to the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat), foreign direct investment is projected to increase by 120.9% between 2020 and 2026, rising from US$934.9 million to US$2.065 billion.
Banguat President Álvaro González Ricci noted, following last week's Monetary Board meeting, that FDI is also expected to grow 28.2% between the end of 2023 and the 2026 forecast.
"The latest projections reflect continued momentum in productive investment flows into Guatemala," González Ricci said.
Financial Services Continue to Lead Investment Flows
Banguat's projections show that the largest share of foreign investment continues to be concentrated in the services sector.
According to the central bank, 45.4% of FDI is directed toward financial and insurance activities, followed by trade and vehicle repair with 19.1%, while manufacturing industries account for 10.8% of total investment.
Regarding the origin of capital, Central America and the Dominican Republic represent the largest source of investment with 24.2%, followed by Colombia (21.2%) and the United States (17.3%).
CEPAL Highlights Guatemala's Long-Term Investment Performance
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) presented its report Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2026: Navigating the New Global Context, highlighting Guatemala's sustained ability to attract productive capital.
According to the report, Guatemala accumulated US$28.502 billion in foreign direct investment between 2015 and 2025, equivalent to an average of US$10.9 billion every five years.
The regional organization also found that business confidence remained the primary driver of investment, with reinvested earnings increasing by 4.6% and accounting for 87% of total FDI.
Government Strengthens International Investment Promotion
Minister of Economy Gabriela García said Guatemala has adopted a proactive strategy to attract productive investment based on international engagement, reliable information, and investment certainty.
According to García, the National Investment Attraction Agency of Guatemala (ProGuatemala) has expanded its outreach to global decision-makers by participating in international trade fairs, conferences, and value chain development meetings to strengthen the country's international profile.
"The success of these missions is based on rigorous intelligence work. Before every engagement, the team analyzes market trends, identifies real opportunities, evaluates compatibility with Guatemala's existing capabilities, and develops sector-specific proposals that connect industry needs with the country's competitive advantages," García explained.
Reinvestment and Services Continue to Drive Growth
ECLAC's analysis shows that reinvested earnings remain the main component of foreign direct investment in Guatemala, reflecting the confidence of companies already operating in the country.
The report also found that the services sector absorbed 86% of total investment, posting 18.1% year-over-year growth, while investment activity in food and beverages, financial services, and telecommunications became increasingly concentrated during 2025.
These trends underscore the sectors that continue to attract productive capital as Guatemala strengthens its investment ecosystem and expands its presence among international investors.
