A bold regional program to boost competitiveness and promote growth in South America.
| With the support of 11 countries, South Connection aims to transform infrastructure, streamline trade, and attract investment |
South America holds a powerful mix of assets: abundant critical minerals, vast renewable energy resources, and a strategic location that connects global markets. Yet, persistent connectivity gaps drive up logistics costs, fragment infrastructure networks, and limit the region’s participation in global value chains. South Connection addresses these challenges with a forward-looking agenda that harnesses connectivity as a driver of growth.
South Connection is a joint commitment by South American countries to develop strategic corridors integrating transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. But it goes beyond infrastructure. The program also drives regulatory modernization, stronger institutions, and system coordination to facilitate the cross-border flow of goods, services, and data. The goal: to build a more competitive, resilient, and investment-ready region.
South Connection supports sustainable investments to build and modernize roads, ports, waterways, power grids, and digital networks—particularly along key bi-oceanic corridors that unlock regional and global trade potential.
We work with countries to improve logistics services, modernize border crossings, and streamline customs operations. Faster and more predictable trade systems are essential to reduce costs, shorten transit times, and improve reliability.
We support countries in aligning regulations with international standards, strengthening institutions, and creating coherent, transparent environments that attract private investment and promote sustainable development.
Environmental and Social Sustainability as a Cross-Cutting Principle
Environmental and social sustainability is a core principle embedded in all projects, ensuring compliance with standards and policies, and promoting inclusive engagement with local communities.
We have a new approach that unifies and focuses the work of the IDB, IDB Invest and IDB Lab under one goal.
A holistic umbrella program for the sustainable development of the region, which aims to work together on forest and climate conservation and to improve people s quality of lives, offering economic alternatives.
Our program to enhance climate adaptation, private-sector development and food and citizens security in the Caribbean.
The program to bolster integration, resilience and social development in Central America and the Dominican Republic.