Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility

The Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF) is an EU regional blending facility that promotes long-term sustainable, socially inclusive economic growth and green transition in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Financed under NDICI – Global Europe, LACIF aims to mobilise additional investment for key infrastructure projects in Latin America and Caribbean regions and contributes to the European Commission’s Global Gateway strategy.

LACIF is the successor of the subregional investment facilities Latin America Investment Facility (LAIF) and the Caribbean Investment Facility (CIF).

How it works

LACIF supports investments that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. The facility prioritises projects that are in line with the EU-LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda with a special focus on:

improved and sustainable infrastructure in the two regions
increased environmental protection, including through climate change mitigation and adaptation
equitable and sustainable socio-economic development and support to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)

The facility pools grant resources from the EU budget to leverage financing from the EIB, partnering financial institutions and public and private investors.

LACIF can support clients with:

investment grants
technical assistance
financial instruments, such as debt, equity and guarantees

Who is eligible

LACIF can support projects that contribute to any of the following areas:

water supply and sanitation
waste management
transport and urban development
health and education
reconstruction and rehabilitation
rural development and sustainable agriculture
sustainable energy
financial services and support to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)
environmental protection

Geographic scope

The facility is available in the following countries:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

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Management committee Nadia Calviño Cape Verde Barbados Kiribati Africa, Caribbean, Pacific countries + OCT Development Climate action and environment
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Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Julie recognised the immense value of her e-commerce expertise, especially for local artisans facing difficulties in selling their handicrafts. Driven by her commitment to empower artisans and creators, Julie launched Yo Soy Local, a digital marketplace that helps them sell their products effortlessly online.

Julie's inspiring vision received a crucial boost when she participated in MicroPitch, a dynamic pitching forum where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business plans to potential sponsors, including local microfinance institutions. Her exceptional idea earned her the prestigious award of 'Best Entrepreneur,' a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for her remarkable venture.

MicroPitch is the fruit of the Caribbean Technical Assistance program, financed by the European Investment Bank and executed by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. This initiative attracted applications from 600 entrepreneurs across 15 Caribbean countries, ultimately selecting 72 visionaries to present their ideas to a network of 25 prospective sponsors.

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Héctor Valdez, a dedicated farmer in Dajabon, Dominican Republic, raises cattle for milk and meat production. For years, he struggled with recurring droughts that would stretch on for six to seven challenging months. To combat this pressing issue, Hector previously relied on water pumps that draw water from a nearby lake into a reservoir that helped irrigate his farm. However, this solution came at a high cost and was far from environmentally friendly, as it depended on gasoline to operate.

In 2021, Héctor discovered a more sustainable solution. Thanks to financing secured through the Banfondesa Renovable green credit line, supported by the European Investment Bank, he installed a solar-powered water pump. Now, as soon as the sun rises, the pump is powered and supplies his farm with water. This transformative solution not only eases Hector's daily life but has also significantly increased his agricultural yields. Banfondesa Renovable is the result of an EIB Technical Assistance programme.

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During her journey, you will meet Josefina and Desiderio, a couple whose life has taken an important turn. Thanks to the Harvesting Water, Sowing Light project, they were able to settle on their rural property and devote their time fully to agriculture. Now Josefina and Desiderio have clean electricity in their homes and access to safe water.

This project has brought rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels to remote villages for the very first time. Over 1 500 households and 20 education and health facilities have already benefited from these innovative installations. This transformative project is the fruit of a collaborative effort between the Bolivian State, the FONPLATA Development Bank, and the European Investment Bank.

Watch our video and discover more about this project now!

Discover our On the ground video series.

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How to get support

Contact the EIB Information Desk for enquiries regarding the financing facilities, activity, organisation and objectives of the EIB.

NDICI – Global Europe

The Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe is the EU’s external financing instrument to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development, prosperity, peace and stability around the world. NDICI – Global Europe covers the EU’s cooperation with all third countries, except for the pre-accession beneficiaries and overseas territories.

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EIB Global

For more than 50 years, the EIB has been the European Union’s international development bank. Our key investments across the world help create stability, promote sustainable growth and fight climate change everywhere.

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What is blending?

Blending involves the strategic use of a limited amount of grant resources to catalyse additional financing for development projects. Grants are often combined with loans, equity, beneficiary resources or other forms of financing, with the aim of de-risking projects and making them bankable. Blending allows partners to get the most out of their grant resources and enhance their overall development impact.

Our blending facilities

The European Investment Bank carries out global blending operations through seven regional investment facilities and other thematic blending funds.

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