FinDev Canada Extends $30 Million Loan to CIFI to Foster Inclusive Economic Growth
On April 14, 2026, the Canadian bilateral development finance institution, FinDev Canada, unveiled a significant initiative aimed at bolstering inclusive economic growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative involves a loan of USD 30 million to the Corporación Interamericana para el Financiamiento de Infraestructura (CIFI), a premier investment platform focused on infrastructure development and energy solutions throughout the region. This marks the second collaboration between FinDev Canada and CIFI, underscoring their commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs.
The primary objective of this loan is to enhance access to financing for private sector infrastructure projects in eligible countries that benefit from Official Development Assistance. The region faces an investment gap of approximately USD 2 billion across vital sectors such as energy, water and sanitation, transport, and telecommunications, which is crucial to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Importantly, around 59% of this investment is essential for new infrastructure development, making private capital mobilization imperative for sustainable economic growth.
Latin America and the Caribbean play a pivotal role in the global transition to clean energy, showcasing abundant renewable energy potential while also being strategically positioned to support global supply chains critical for decarbonization efforts. However, the region is increasingly threatened by climate change, facing intensified and frequent climatic events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes. CIFI has dedicated itself to addressing these growing challenges by expanding its renewable energy portfolio, which includes initiatives focused on solar energy storage and solar plus battery projects. In alignment with the region’s sustainable development priorities, a remarkable 70% of the loan will be allocated specifically to climate-related projects, especially those aimed at climate mitigation.
Moreover, gender-inclusive organizations have shown higher levels of innovation, employee retention, and proficiency in surmounting complex challenges associated with energy transition. In light of this, CIFI is committed to promoting gender equality throughout its operations and investments. As part of this strategic focus, 30% of the loan funds will be directed towards businesses that align with dual objectives—fostering economic participation of women and enhancing their professional development within CIFI and partner companies. FinDev Canada is also exploring ways to integrate gender-focused Technical Assistance for clients benefiting from the financing provided.
This investment illustrates Canada's ongoing strategic partnerships within Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting vast opportunities to expand sustainable investments for mutual economic prosperity. Lori Kerr, the Executive Director of FinDev Canada, expressed, ‘We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment and leverage our partnership with CIFI to accelerate climate infrastructure projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through our renewed collaboration, we can strengthen economic growth, promote gender equality, and advance climate action in a region that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.’
César Cañedo-Argüelles, the Executive Director of CIFI, acknowledged this partnership stating, ‘We are grateful to FinDev Canada for their trust and for strengthening a long-standing partnership focused on sustainable and inclusive infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean. This financing will support climate action, accelerate the energy transition, and deepen gender-inclusive practices throughout our portfolio, contributing to the region's developmental needs.’
FinDev Canada serves as Canada's development finance institution (DFI) dedicated to supporting development through private sector initiatives. By providing financing, investment, blended financing solutions, technical assistance, and advisory services, it promotes sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets and developing economies, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the commitments under the Paris Agreement. Learn more about FinDev Canada at www.findevcanada.ca.
CIFI is an investment platform based in Panama that delivers integrated financial solutions to developers and private investors in high-impact and sustainable infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean. With a solid track record that includes more than 220 transactions valued at over USD 2 billion in disbursements, CIFI has successfully mobilized USD 21 billion in capital since its inception in 2001. More information can be found at www.cifi.com.
The primary objective of this loan is to enhance access to financing for private sector infrastructure projects in eligible countries that benefit from Official Development Assistance. The region faces an investment gap of approximately USD 2 billion across vital sectors such as energy, water and sanitation, transport, and telecommunications, which is crucial to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Importantly, around 59% of this investment is essential for new infrastructure development, making private capital mobilization imperative for sustainable economic growth.
Latin America and the Caribbean play a pivotal role in the global transition to clean energy, showcasing abundant renewable energy potential while also being strategically positioned to support global supply chains critical for decarbonization efforts. However, the region is increasingly threatened by climate change, facing intensified and frequent climatic events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes. CIFI has dedicated itself to addressing these growing challenges by expanding its renewable energy portfolio, which includes initiatives focused on solar energy storage and solar plus battery projects. In alignment with the region’s sustainable development priorities, a remarkable 70% of the loan will be allocated specifically to climate-related projects, especially those aimed at climate mitigation.
Moreover, gender-inclusive organizations have shown higher levels of innovation, employee retention, and proficiency in surmounting complex challenges associated with energy transition. In light of this, CIFI is committed to promoting gender equality throughout its operations and investments. As part of this strategic focus, 30% of the loan funds will be directed towards businesses that align with dual objectives—fostering economic participation of women and enhancing their professional development within CIFI and partner companies. FinDev Canada is also exploring ways to integrate gender-focused Technical Assistance for clients benefiting from the financing provided.
This investment illustrates Canada's ongoing strategic partnerships within Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting vast opportunities to expand sustainable investments for mutual economic prosperity. Lori Kerr, the Executive Director of FinDev Canada, expressed, ‘We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment and leverage our partnership with CIFI to accelerate climate infrastructure projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through our renewed collaboration, we can strengthen economic growth, promote gender equality, and advance climate action in a region that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.’
César Cañedo-Argüelles, the Executive Director of CIFI, acknowledged this partnership stating, ‘We are grateful to FinDev Canada for their trust and for strengthening a long-standing partnership focused on sustainable and inclusive infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean. This financing will support climate action, accelerate the energy transition, and deepen gender-inclusive practices throughout our portfolio, contributing to the region's developmental needs.’
About FinDev Canada
FinDev Canada serves as Canada's development finance institution (DFI) dedicated to supporting development through private sector initiatives. By providing financing, investment, blended financing solutions, technical assistance, and advisory services, it promotes sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets and developing economies, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the commitments under the Paris Agreement. Learn more about FinDev Canada at www.findevcanada.ca.
About CIFI
CIFI is an investment platform based in Panama that delivers integrated financial solutions to developers and private investors in high-impact and sustainable infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean. With a solid track record that includes more than 220 transactions valued at over USD 2 billion in disbursements, CIFI has successfully mobilized USD 21 billion in capital since its inception in 2001. More information can be found at www.cifi.com.
Topics Financial Services & Investing）
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