- 1,688 investment decisions were recorded in France in 2024, generating 37,747 jobs — a strong performance that reflects the country’s economic resilience in a global context of declining foreign investment.
- The Sud Region posted 125 new projects, up 5% compared to 2023, with 2,878 jobs created or preserved, confirming its strategic role in France’s attractiveness landscape.
- In this regional momentum, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis attracted 25 new companies, supported by Team Nice Côte d’Azur, generating 274 jobs within three years, particularly in tech and smart service sectors.
France holds its ground amid global uncertainty
On March 5, 2025, Business France released its 2024 report on international investment in France. Despite a challenging international climate — including a 10% drop in FDI to developed countries (UNCTAD) — France maintained strong momentum with 1,688 investment projects, exceeding pre-COVID levels.
A total of 37,747 jobs were created or secured, a slight 7% decrease compared to 2023, due in part to adjustments in the temporary employment sector.
European investors dominated, accounting for 64% of projects, with the United States remaining the top investor (15% of decisions), followed by Germany (14%) and the United Kingdom (9%). Notably, 28% of foreign companies were first-time investors in France, driven significantly by Asia (38%) and Africa (85%).
Industry and innovation remained key pillars, with 28% of projects in production, and R&D investments increasing by 9% year-on-year.
In addition, 43 AI-related projects were recorded — a 53% increase over 2023 — highlighting France’s growing role in deep tech and artificial intelligence.
Sud region: a growth engine in france’s investment landscape
In line with the national trend, risingSUD, the regional economic development agency, reported 125 new international investment projects in the Sud Region for 2024 — a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Thanks to risingSUD’s support, 80% of these projects received direct assistance to facilitate their launch and growth.
The region attracted strategic investments across key sectors:
– 59 CSR-related projects in environmental transition
– 12 projects in artificial intelligence
– 57 projects in industrial sovereignty, including R&D and decision-making centers
The Sud Region confirmed its position as France’s second-largest destination for R&D investments, with 20 projects in 2024, up from 13 in 2023.
As a gateway to Europe, the Sud Region saw 14 foreign companies choose it as their first location in France (+40% vs. 2023), and 20 companies set up their first European site there (+33%).
Three metropolitan areas — Aix-Marseille, Toulon-Provence, and Nice Côte d’Azur — concentrated 65% of all new projects, while the Var department posted the strongest growth, with 14 new establishments and 530 jobs created.
Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis: an attractive innovation hub
As part of this regional growth, Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis recorded 25 new company establishments in 2024, all supported by Team Nice Côte d’Azur, generating 274 jobs over three years. Notably, 52% of investments were in technology and smart services, reinforcing the territory’s positioning in innovation and digital transformation.
International openness remains a key driver of the metropolis’ attractiveness. Strategic partnerships with Tunisia, Italy, and Canada support economic and commercial exchange, helping to onboard new international actors.
Team Nice Côte d’Azur’s actions are also amplified through major global events such as the arrival of the Tour de France in Nice (July 2024) and the United Nations Ocean Conference (June 2025) — both leveraged to increase visibility and attract high-value investment.
In 2024:
– 56% of new companies established were French
– 32% came from other European countries
– The health sector accounted for 20% of new projects
To further reinforce international connections, 23 missions were conducted in France and abroad to engage with foreign ecosystems and stimulate new investment opportunities.
Sources: Business France, risingSUD, Team Nice Côte d’Azur
Companies set up in Nice Côte d’Azur
- Maison Albar – Le Victoria in Nice: The Most Significant Investment by the Centaurus Group
- Big Azur: Local Media Expertise Serving the National Ambitions of All Businesses
- SUPMODE and SUP-PHOTO Establish in Nice to Deliver Excellence in Education, Combining Fashion, Photography, and Business.
- aivancity: The Leading Artificial Intelligence School Establishes in Nice
- Sustainable Navigation: Lanéva Establishes in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis
- Hotel du Couvent in Nice: Opening on June 20, 2024
- Codeborne sets up in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis
- Team Nice Côte d’Azur: Tribune by the General Director, Hervé Laubertie
- Business Landing Nice Côte d’Azur: Support for business set up in France
- Biotyks sets up in Nice to develop its solution for managing irritable bowel syndrome
