The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) has approved Belize’s new country strategy for 2026–2030, aligned with the National Development Plan “Plan Belize 2.0.” The strategy aims to promote sustained, inclusive growth and fiscal stability by boosting private-sector-led investment, with a particular focus on leveraging Belize’s natural capital.
Building on strong recent performance in tourism, agriculture, and marine industries, the strategy emphasizes strengthening the blue economy as a key driver of competitiveness and long-term growth. It prioritizes enhancing institutional capacity, improving fiscal sustainability through better tax administration, modernized public financial management, digital government, and stronger public-private partnerships.
The strategy also focuses on human capital development by addressing gaps in education and skills. Key measures include scaling STEAM education, modernizing vocational training, and reducing labor market skills mismatches to prepare Belizeans for a more diversified economy.
Supporting private sector competitiveness is another core priority, with investments in resilient energy infrastructure, universal electricity access, and expanded financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The plan also integrates environmental protection, particularly through programs that safeguard Belize’s reef ecosystem and ensure sustainable water and sanitation, which underpin tourism and agriculture.
Karla González, IDB Group Country Representative for Belize, highlighted the strategy’s “ridge-to-reef” approach, linking natural capital to economic prosperity, while Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized its alignment with Plan Belize 2.0, promoting climate-resilient growth, universal access to services, and sustainable opportunities for all citizens.
The strategy positions Belize to achieve sustainable economic growth that balances environmental stewardship with opportunity creation, leveraging its marine resources and biodiversity. The IDB Group, which includes IDB, IDB Invest, and IDB Lab, will support this vision by providing financing, knowledge, and private-sector innovation to advance the country’s development goals.
