The World Bank has approved a new loan to support the expansion of Colombia’s Multipurpose Cadaster, a key instrument for modernizing land administration. By updating cadastral information nationwide, the initiative aims to strengthen land tenure security, improve local government finances, and enhance public investment. Citizens and municipalities will benefit from better access to cadastral services, clearer recognition of land rights, and stronger territorial planning capabilities.
The US$100 million program will enhance the National Cadaster Management System and broaden the coverage of the Multipurpose Cadaster, which documents land characteristics and ownership. To achieve this, the initiative will build institutional and community capacity, modernize Colombia’s geospatial infrastructure, and expand the use of cadastral data for territorial planning, disaster risk management, and property taxation. It also includes measures to create jobs by training women and vulnerable groups to participate in cadaster implementation, supported by IFC efforts to attract private investment.
World Bank Country Director Mark R. Thomas emphasized that a modern cadaster is essential for protecting land rights and enabling local governments to plan effectively and generate revenue. The program is designed to ensure that more vulnerable communities can access high-quality cadastral services, supporting equitable and sustainable development.
The initiative is expected to increase efficiency in cadaster maintenance, expand updated land data coverage, and improve identification of land tenure rights, with particular attention to women and ethnic communities. It builds on the ongoing Multipurpose Cadaster Project approved in 2019, reinforcing Colombia’s long-term land governance strategy.
An expanded, reliable cadaster will also improve the investment climate by offering accurate, standardized land information. This strengthens legal security, facilitates formalization, supports access to credit, and reduces uncertainty for infrastructure projects and business value chains. The financing uses the Program-for-Results modality, meaning funds will be disbursed only when agreed targets are met, ensuring effective implementation and measurable progress in fiscal sustainability and social inclusion.
