Colombia's new administration clinches World Bank, IMF backing and deepens US ties

President‑elect Abelardo De La Espriella and Vice‑president‑elect José Manuel Restrepo led a delegation to Washington in July 2026. They met World Bank President Ajay Banga, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke, securing commitments for a multilateral cooperation package. The World Bank pledged technical and financial support for infrastructure, energy, agro‑industry, regional development and youth programmes, while the IMF will provide technical assistance to diagnose Colombia’s public‑finance situation. Restrepo said the talks were “an important step to recover confidence in Colombia”. Banga added that “international confidence in Colombia is returning”. The team also pursued a broader strategic partnership with the United States, meeting US officials and discussing a role for Colombia in Venezuela’s transition and possible fuel imports. Additional contacts included the Inter‑American Development Bank and other multilateral lenders. The roadmap for the cooperation is to be presented in Barranquilla, aiming to restore fiscal stability, attract investment and boost growth amid Colombia’s fiscal challenges and a volatile exchange‑rate environment.