Investing in Yemen in 2026
Middle East & North Africa
8
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
Yemen earns an investment score of 8/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (12/100) and financial strength (10/100), with overall GDP of $21.5B and per-capita output of $650. Growth is running at -2.5% with -0.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is elevated at 28.5%, a key risk to watch. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Fisheries (sector score 12/100, currently declining), which represents 2% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 23% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Yemen is with the global economy.
How Yemen's investment score has evolved over time
Fisheries
2% of GDP, declining
Agriculture
12% of GDP, declining
Oil (Disrupted)
8% of GDP, declining
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Yemen a safe country to invest in?
Yemen carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 8/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 8/100, political stability 2/100, business climate 8/100, financial strength 10/100, growth potential 12/100.
What is Yemen's sovereign credit rating?
Yemen holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Yemen?
The top investment sectors in Yemen are Fisheries, Agriculture, Oil (Disrupted). Fisheries leads with a sector score of 12/100 and represents 2% of GDP. Its current trend is declining.
What is Yemen's GDP growth rate?
Yemen's most recent GDP growth was -2.5%, with total GDP of $21.5B and GDP per capita of $650. Inflation is running at 28.5% and the current account balance is -5.8% of GDP.
How does Yemen score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Yemen scores: political stability -2.5, rule of law -1.8, corruption control -1.6, and regulatory quality -1.7.
Can foreigners invest in Yemen?
Most industries in Yemen are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Yemen?
Foreign Direct Investment in Yemen runs at -0.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 23%. These figures show how integrated Yemen is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Yemen?
Yemen's government debt stands at 59% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.