Skip to main content

About the IDB

We are the Inter-American Development Bank

The main source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean

A women smiling in an office - About IDB - Inter American Development Bank - IDB

Since our creation in 1959, we have been dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions of people in our 26 borrowing member countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.

We provide financial and technical support to national and sub-national governments and other entities in our region. We conduct cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions to address development challenges both locally and globally.

We work with our non-borrowing member countries and development organizations to channel resources and expertise to Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting development and maximizing the impact of key initiatives.

We Are Three Entities

The IDB works with the public sector in Latin America and the Caribbean while IDB Invest works with the region's private sector, and IDB Lab fosters innovative ways to spur more inclusive growth.

Hands holding together - About IDB - Inter American Development Bank - IDB
We are in Four Continents

We are headquartered in Washington D.C. We have offices in our 26 borrowing member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and regional offices in Asia and Europe.

Bolivian town landscape - About IDB - Inter American Development Bank - IDB
We Financed and Mobilized $13.5 Billion in 2023

The year featured 92 new sovereign-guaranteed loan projects, with a portfolio of 616 such projects in execution.

Men with and apron smiling - About IDB - Inter American Development Bank - IDB
We Have 48 Member Countries

Our member countries include 26 borrowing members in Latin America and the Caribbean and 22 non-borrowing members in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Picture full of flags - About IDB - Inter American Development Bank - IDB
We Collaborate with Diverse Actors

The IDB’s clients include national, sub-national, and municipal governments, NGOs, and other partners. IDB Invest and IDB Lab work with the private sector and entrepreneurs in the region, respectively.

Kids in front of a School - About IDB - Inter American Development Bank - IDB
Art and Culture are Part of our Development Agenda

The IDB views art as a catalyst for development and supports numerous projects that leverage its creative power to drive social transformation.

Piece of art - About IDB - Inter American Development Bank - IDB
People working together - Institutional Strategy - Inter American Development Bank - IDB
Our Institutional Strategy

Our Institutional Strategy outlines how IDB, IDB Invest, and IDB Lab are supporting the sustainable and inclusive development of Latin America and the Caribbean from 2024 to 2030. It defines our core development objectives, describes our investment priority areas, and explains how we will work to maximize our scale and impact.

This strategy, called IDBStrategy+, aims to help our region achieve its development goals while contributing to solutions for some of the world’s most pressing shared challenges.

Learn more
Our History

Learn about our origin, the leaders that shaped who we are, and how we have supported and served the people of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Learn more
Our Charter and By-Laws

Read about our mission and the rules and regulations that govern our work.

Read more
Our Capital and Funds Under Administration

Learn about how the IDB funds its operations.

Read more
Join our community for updates on the development topics that interest you.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Public Sector

Discover our solutions for governments.

See more
Private Sector and Entrepreneurs

Find out how IDB Invest and IDB Lab work with the private sector.

See more
Strategic Partnerships and Donors

Explore opportunities to partner with us.

See more
Civil Society

Learn how we work with civil society to strengthen the sustainability of development projects.

See more
Jump back to top