The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB / the Bank) has reported a significant increase in project financing and disbursements for 2025, approving USD 464 million in new support. The milestone marks a 50% increase in financing over 2024.
CDB’s investment portfolio advanced major national and regional priorities, including USD 27 million for Belize’s Eighth Power Project to modernise the electricity grid for about 114,000 households and businesses.
In The Bahamas, the Bank approved USD 30 million for Water Supply Improvements in the Family Islands, benefiting roughly 5,000 residents, and USD 6 million to create a Polytechnic and Accreditation Training Hub for more than 800 youth and graduates. Elsewhere in the region, the Bank provided USD 46 million to upgrade Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Canouan Airport to strengthen climate resilience and connectivity; USD 8.7 million for Grenada’s Battery Energy Storage System to enhance grid stability for over 90% of the population; and USD 47 million for Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport Expansion, which will double passenger throughput and improve operations.
Despite ongoing challenges, CDB continued to deliver targeted investments supporting Haiti’s development. The Quality Enhancement Education Project improved learning outcomes for more than 17,000 primary and secondary students, half of them girls. In agriculture, a climate‑resilient initiative trained 250 farmers—48% women—and introduced a 23.5‑hectare irrigation scheme to boost productivity and protect livelihoods. Meanwhile, sustainable energy investments are expanding access to reliable electricity, with a new solar installation set to provide renewable power to over 2,000 rural customers.
Support for the cultural sector continued through the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund, which assisted 200 creatives in 14 countries and provided grants to 12 micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). Women entrepreneurs benefitted from SheTrades Caribbean, which equipped 1,300 women‑owned firms with training and market access.
