WASHINGTON – Housing shortages and urban development challenges remain among the most pressing issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. Addressing these challenges starts with something essential: reliable, comparable, and up-to-date data. To meet this need, the Inter-American Development Bank Group and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), with the support of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), have launched Housing and Urban Intelligence, the region’s first integrated data hub of its kind. This new platform brings together more
WASHINGTON — The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved an US$80 million loan to enhance the resilience and sustainability of transport infrastructure and mitigate socioeconomic disruptions caused by recurrent flooding in New Providence, The Bahamas. This operation will finance a Global Multiple Works (GOM) program to increase the resilience of key transport corridors by improving draining systems and optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of road maintenance. The program is aligned with ONE Caribbean, the IDB Group's comprehensive regional
Delegations from more than twenty countries analyze regulatory frameworks, governance, and the impact of technological change on state modernization. SAN JOSÉ— Costa Rica is positioning itself as a benchmark for the digital agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean by hosting, on December 4 and 5, the first Regional Public Policy Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, an event organized by the Government of Costa Rica and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Authorities from more than twenty countries, along with international experts, academics, and business leaders, are participating in
WASHINGTON – Ecuador will implement economic policies to boost economic growth and strengthen the business environment by stimulating private investment in strategic sectors such as energy and tourism, supported by financing of $200 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The economic policy reforms will improve the efficiency of the tax system, collection, compliance, and reduce tax evasion. These policy actions aim to expand the use of electronic means for tax payments and partial debit. The program supports laying the groundwork for promoting more efficient public spending
WASHINGTON – The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $20 million loan to boost Uruguay’s exports and investments and increase business productivity through greater integration into global markets. The program is the second operation under the Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) “Program for Productive Development of Uruguay through Internationalization, Innovation, and Talent.” The goal of this credit line is to simplify and streamline procedures for exporting and investing, and to strengthen the effectiveness of export
WASHINGTON — The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $19 million loan to boost Paraguay’s international integration by attracting investment, promoting exports, and modernizing border management. The program, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), aims to improve tools for facilitating and promoting foreign investment, advance trade integration and the internationalization of MSMEs, and reduce the time and cost of trade with Brazil. The initiative includes the development of digital platforms such as the
WASHINGTON — The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$200 million Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) to improve the resilience of potable water supply services in Barbados. Under this new program, the Board also approved an US$80 million first individual investment loan and US$4 million non-reimbursable financing from the IDB CLIMA pilot program. The program will support improvements in the reliability and operational efficiency of the Barbados Water Authority’s (BWA) water distribution system, as well as strengthen BWAs
Investments, partnerships, and new programs are boosting the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and driving innovation across Latin America and the Caribbean. SAN SALVADOR — GET Forum, the flagship innovation event of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), held for the first time in Central America — in El Salvador — showcased the progress of regional entrepreneurs and highlighted the host country’s positioning as an emerging hub for startups. Co-organized by the IDB Group, the government of El Salvador, and Agrisal Group, the Forum emphasized the momentum of El Salvador’s
WASHINGTON — The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is pleased to announce the appointment of Graham Macmillan as general manager of IDB Lab, effective January 5, 2026. IDB Lab is the innovation and venture capital arm of the IDB Group. It leverages financing, knowledge, and connections to support early-stage entrepreneurship, foster new technologies, activate innovative markets, and catalyze existing sectors in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Graham’s extensive experience will be instrumental in advancing IDB Lab’s mission to foster innovation and private-sector development
WASHINGTON — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Executive Directors approved a loan of $22.95 million to strengthen the capacities of Ecuador’s National Public Procurement Service (SERCOP) and advance the modernization of the National Public Procurement System (SNCP). The project will drive a comprehensive transformation of public procurement with the goal of improving the quality, timeliness, and transparency of procurement processes, thereby increasing the efficiency of public spending. To achieve this, the program includes an integrated approach that encompasses