Multinational companies are increasing their investments in Africa, says the latest IBM’s Global Location Trends Study. The study attributed this trend to concerted efforts by emerging markets to build infrastructure.

Africa and Latin America jointly received approximately 17% of the global jobs created from foreign investment and expansion projects in 2007, compared to 13% in the previous year.

Increased investments in Africa occurred mainly in South Africa, Morocco and Egypt, where job creation was considerable. The continent's share of global job creation from foreign investment increased to 5% in 2007 from a little over 3.5% in 2006.

"There has been a significant amount of investment going to a range of locations that were previously 'off the map' for foreign investment projects. This is a testament to the focus emerging markets have placed on building out their infrastructure to spur economic development and growth, and represents the next evolutionary step of globalization." said Roel Spee, IBM’s global location strategies leader. "