Kuwait’s economy experienced some substantial growth in the first quarter of 2025, with a 1% year-on-year increase in real GDP.

According to the National Bank of Kuwait, this marks a return to positive territory after seven consecutive quarters of contraction, most notably driven by the gradual recovery of Kuwait’s non-oil sector – although industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and transportation all contributed too. So how has the non-oil sector recovered, and how have the other industries mentioned seen a boost compared to last year?

Foreign Investment As a Key Driver

One of the key drivers has undoubtedly been foreign investment. While Kuwait traditionally lags behind some Gulf neighbours in attracting FDI, recent efforts to diversify away from oil – such as opening up energy-adjacent industries, fintech, and logistics – are beginning to pay off.

Over the last few years, international investors have been looking for environmentally friendly, non-oil alternatives, and Kuwait is positioning itself as a destination that can offer these opportunities.

With new, advanced trading platforms also making it easier for beginners to get on board – with accessible information about swing trading and day trading, which are particularly attributable to inexpensive, fast-growing Kuwait stocks –  traders now have more tools to explore Kuwait’s market potential, leading to more investment and more capital for Kuwait businesses to work with.

The Vision 2035 plan has also played a big part in this. By outlining a clear roadmap for economic diversification and sustainability, Kuwait has given foreign investors confidence that it’s committed to long-term growth beyond oil, with key focuses being the support of tech startups and the encouragement of new, exciting green energy projects.

Will Foreign Investment Be Key to Sustained Growth?

There are other things behind the bounce-back, of course. Domestic reforms aimed at improving the business environment have made it easier for both local and international companies to operate in Kuwait, and with the streamlining of licensing processes for emerging sectors like fintech and green energy, it has become simpler than ever for businesses to start, expand, and innovate.

As well as this, the government has played a big part in providing the backbone for sustained economic activity. Upgrades to transport networks and logistics hubs, for instance, have been crucial in improving connectivity and efficiency, and investments in industrial zones have similarly helped to attract new businesses and employment opportunities.

But it has to be noted how crucial foreign investment will be going forward. While domestic reforms and infrastructure improvements are laying the groundwork, sustained growth often depends on the infusion of external capital and international networks, and that’s exactly what foreign investors can provide with the right amount of incentive.

It doesn’t just bring money, of course. It accelerates the development of emerging sectors, creating higher-value jobs and ultimately strengthening the overall economy. This is what Kuwait will need if it wants to meet its diversification goals.

2025 and Beyond

Because it’s not a given. A country like Venezuela, for example, has had ambitious diversification plans for decades, but has struggled to achieve them.

Whether it’s due to political instability – Venezuela's political environment has been marked by instability that has deterred foreign investors – or infrastructure challenges – many of Venezuela’s industrial infrastructures are outdated and require significant modernisation – the lack of consistent foreign investment has undoubtedly hindered the country’s ability to fully implement its plans.

In order to sustain this growth, Kuwait will be looking to keep investors on board and capitalise on the momentum generated by its recent reforms and upgrades. Only then will the country be able to fully realise its Vision 2035 objectives, turning its plans into tangible economic results.