CAF plans to double its presence in Latin America by 2030

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) aims to double its regional presence by 2030, according to Andrés Rugeles, the entity's manager for the International Economic Forum. Rugeles noted that while investments reached approximately $18.56 billion in 2025, the bank intends to significantly scale its financing to help the region overcome the ‘middle-income trap.’

To drive growth, CAF is targeting sectors such as energy, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and logistics. Rugeles emphasized the importance of investing in human capital, innovation, and connecting academic institutions with the private sector.

Additionally, CAF released its 2026 Economy and Development Report (RED), titled ‘Roots of the Future: The New Rural World of Latin America and the Caribbean.’ The report highlights Uruguay as a regional leader in agricultural productivity, forestry development, and rural poverty reduction, suggesting that its sustained policies offer valuable lessons for the rest of the region.