Wallonia has staged a notable comeback in attracting foreign investment, securing €1.3 billion in 2025 after a challenging stretch for global capital flows. The figures, reported by
AWEX and cited by L’Echo, highlight renewed confidence in the region’s economy.
A total of 60 foreign-backed projects were completed over the year, with expectations to generate around 1,361 new jobs. This represents a 34% increase in investment value compared with 2024, marking Wallonia’s strongest performance since 2020.
Several high-profile investments played a central role in the rebound. US-based Skechers committed €350 million to develop a logistics hub in Milmort, creating roughly 150 jobs. Meanwhile, Avesta Holding ABEE invested €45 million in a battery assembly plant in Seneffe, adding another 150 positions.
Growth was further supported by acquisitions and the expansion of existing operations. Pharmaceutical heavyweight AstraZeneca invested €391 million to acquire Esobiotech and followed up with an additional €10 million to expand its Mont-Saint-Guibert facility. In total, more than half of the projects—32 in all—were linked to companies already operating in the region.
France remained Wallonia’s leading source of foreign investment, with the United States in second place. Interestingly, Flanders ranked third in terms of investment value but contributed the most to job creation within Wallonia.
The investment upswing coincided with a record year for exports. Wallonia’s exports reached €62.4 billion, a 12.6% increase year-on-year, reversing two consecutive years of decline. Analysts attribute part of this growth to companies accelerating shipments ahead of potential tariff changes in the US market.
Pharmaceutical products dominated export activity, accounting for 44% of total exports. This sector also fueled a surge in trade with the United States, where exports climbed sharply to €9.7 billion. Photo by D Wells, Wikimedia commons.