The Opportunities for the Majority initiative promotes and finances private sector business models that develop and deliver quality products and services, create employment, and enable low-income producers and consumers to participate in the formal economy. The objective is to stimulate economic growth and raise the incomes of the 360 million people –approximately 70% of the population- in Latin American and the Caribbean who are at the “base of the pyramid”.

The Bank offers 50 years of multilateral financing experience and a network of 26 country offices in the region to help investors and market participants focus their business strategies on opportunities that will address unmet demands in underserved markets.

The IDB’s involvement in the initiative ensures that each of its projects will undergo a rigorous evaluation that stresses economic and financial viability as well as the targeting of investments to benefit low-income populations. The Bank has the capability to promote partnerships and multiply the effectiveness of successful projects by applying lessons learned and by financing similar programs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Operating Principles

• Invest in business solutions that improve the living standards of the majority.
• Demonstrate that investing in underserved markets is profitable.
• Apply innovation and creativity to fulfill unmet human needs and contribute to economic growth.
• Create new solutions through public and private sector partnerships.
• Share the risk among several partners.