Invest Northern Ireland has announced that its supported projects will deliver a total of £764 million of business investment across the region in 2025-26, the highest annual figure in more than ten years. The projects are expected to create 4,301 new jobs.

The largest share of investment is planned for the Belfast City Council area, where projects are set to generate £325 million. Newry, Mourne and Down will see £85 million in investment and more than 400 jobs, while Mid Ulster expects £81 million and over 300 jobs.

Other council areas with Invest NI-backed investment include Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon with £48 million, Derry City and Strabane with £41 million, and Fermanagh and Omagh also with £41 million. Causeway Coast and Glens has £40 million, Lisburn and Castlereagh £38 million, Mid and East Antrim £20 million, Antrim and Newtownabbey £18 million, and Ards and North Down £11 million.

The agency said the projects span capital equipment, research and development, innovation, automation, skills development and export growth. Sectors include advanced manufacturing, engineering, agri-food, life and health sciences, technology and business services.

Invest NI provided £126 million in assistance during the year, with each pound of support leveraging around £6 in business investment. The agency supported 2,221 investment projects.

Chief Executive Kieran Donoghue said the results reflected the resilience and ambition of Northern Ireland businesses, despite economic uncertainty.