A deep-dive workshop to identify upstream support needs for connectivity infrastructure projects proposed by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and examine how the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) can further help to address them, was held at CAF’s office in Montevideo, Uruguay on 6-7 November.

The workshop consisted of eight working sessions led by CAF sector directors and their teams. The sessions consisted of presentations on CAF’s near and medium-term sector strategies and related cross-border connectivity infrastructure investments. They were followed by discussions with MCDF experts on imperatives for accelerating successful high-quality projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In opening remarks, Mr. Antonio Silveira, CAF Acting Vice President of Private Sector and Manager of Infrastructure and Digital Transformation, explained that MCDF support for CAF connectivity project proposals is critical for strengthening CAF’s work on pillars of regional growth such as sustainable infrastructure, digitalization, and regional development.

“The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean is an active and innovative Implementing Partner of MCDF,” noted Mr. Frederic Wiltmann, MCDF’s Program Head. “Through this two-year old partnership, the region has become the second largest recipient of MCDF grants globally, supporting sustainable energy, transport, digitalization, and transboundary water resource management projects.”

Led by Ms. Gloria Gamero, CAF Director of Mobilization and Financial Partnerships, and Mr. Pedro Riera, CAF Principal Funding Officer, workshop participants examined project proposal requirements covering regional integration, digital transformation, energy and transport, waterways, urban mobility, climate change, public-private partnerships, and lines of credit for financial institutions. They were also joined by Mr. Juan Miranda, a Senior Advisor to the MCDF CEO.

Participants additionally reviewed CAF’s capacity building program priorities in 2025, when it will serve as MCDF Coordination Committee chair guiding collaboration on connectivity financing and development between MCDF’s 13 partner International Financial Institutions, as well as forthcoming knowledge and information sharing events and related technical assistance.

“Thanks to MCDF, we [CAF] have secured over USD10 million for 11 transformative initiatives in more than seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Ms. Gamero. “These pre-investment initiatives have an associated financing leverage of more than USD500 million.”

“Combining internal and external sources of financing allows CAF to maximize the impact of its projects and ensures more comprehensive and sustainable financial solutions to the challenges facing the region,” she concluded.