IDB Lab, the innovation and venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), has launched a call for participants in its Women STEMpreneurs Competition to fund women-led startups in Latin America and the Caribbean. The thirteenth edition of the regional competition will be held through the WeXchange platform offering opportunities for women entrepreneurs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The call underscores IDB Lab's commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem to maximize the talent of women entrepreneurs and accelerate the
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$350 million policy-based loan to Guyana, underpinning the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its social-protection systems. In approving this second and final operation in a programmatic series (the first of which was co-financed with Global Affairs Canada), the IDB recognizes Guyana’s strong macroeconomic performance and its commitment to inclusive social reform. The loan will support the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) in enhancing the efficiency and reach of its
IDB Lab, the innovation and venture arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is partnering with 19Labs to pilot the use of drone technology for delivering critical medical supplies to some of Guyana's remote hinterland communities. This initiative enhances the country's expanding telemedicine and digital health network by providing a cost-effective, long-range, two-way drone-delivery system that can transport medical supplies in remote and geographically isolated regions. The pilot is expected to benefit over 20,000 residents served by 15 telemedicine centers in most remote
Most Caribbean businesses are either innovative or potentially innovative but still face challenges, according to a new report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This edition delves into the critical role of innovation in driving economic growth and productivity in the Caribbean region. Innovative businesses in the Caribbean have 26% to 35% higher levels of productivity and 21% to 81% higher sales per worker than non-innovative firms, depending on the type of innovation, according to the report titled "Innovation for Faster Economic Growth in the Caribbean: Are We There Yet?". The
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados– The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Development Centre of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) launched a new publication, Caribbean Development Dynamics, that provides comprehensive insights into how Caribbean countries can unlock their economic potential through the energy transition, the blue economy, sustainable tourism, and the digital transformation. The publication was presented at an event attended by IDB President Ilan Goldfajn, with the virtual participation of OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann, and panel
A new publication by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Compete Caribbean urged Caribbean countries to advance on key reforms to improve the business environment and boost firm productivity in a bid to accelerate long-term growth. The book, “ Are We There Yet? The Path toward Sustainable Private Sector Development in the Caribbean ,” analyzes opportunities and challenges for key policy reforms aimed at increasing the competitiveness and dynamism of the region’s private sector. This comprehensive book offers a regional perspective, encompassing 13 Caribbean nations: Antigua and
CALI, Colombia — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank today presented the core elements of the guidelines for capital-markets instruments called Amazonia Bonds. These bonds will finance activities that have a positive impact on local communities, biodiversity, and zero-deforestation efforts in the Amazon region. The guidelines outline project selection and evaluation criteria, measures to mitigate environmental and social risks, and indicators to report expected impact. Built on existing global market standards that underpin sustainable-bond markets – ICMA Principles
Pension systems in the Caribbean will run out of funds within the next 10 to 15 years unless urgent reforms are implemented to ensure their sustainability, according to a new publication by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Caribbean countries can build more resilient safety nets for their aging populations by addressing administrative inefficiencies, improving investment strategies, and considering adjustments to retirement age, among other measures, according to the report titled “ Building Resilient Safety Nets in the Caribbean: Future-Proofing Retirement Incomes.” The report is