IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Banco Santander Brasil have announced a strategic partnership to support Brazil’s Eco Invest program, a government-led initiative aimed at attracting foreign private capital to accelerate the country’s transition toward a resilient and sustainable economy. The program is coordinated by Brazil’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and focuses on mobilizing investment into key green sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, clean transport, agribusiness resilience, climate adaptation, and ecological innovation.
As part of the partnership, IFC will provide a $250 million financial package to Santander Brasil, consisting of $150 million from its own account and $100 million mobilized from international commercial banks. This support will expand Santander’s capacity to offer more affordable financing for eligible sustainable projects under the Eco Invest framework, helping unlock long-term capital and improve investment conditions for green infrastructure and climate-focused initiatives.
The Eco Invest program uses innovative financial instruments designed to reduce risk for investors, including protections against exchange-rate volatility, thereby increasing predictability and attracting foreign participation in Brazil’s sustainable development agenda. IFC estimates that Brazil’s transition to a low-carbon and resilient economy will require approximately $1.3 trillion in investment between 2016 and 2030, highlighting the scale of financing needed to support structural transformation.
Both IFC and Santander emphasized that the collaboration strengthens their shared commitment to scaling sustainable finance. Santander highlighted the program’s role in expanding access to competitive long-term financing for green projects, while IFC stressed its role in mobilizing private capital and supporting inclusive, climate-resilient growth through innovative financial solutions.
The partnership builds on previous IFC investments in Santander, including a social bond supporting microentrepreneurs and SMEs in underserved regions and a blue loan focused on sustainable development. It also aligns with the World Bank Group’s broader strategy for Brazil, which prioritizes competitiveness, climate resilience, and a stronger, more sustainable financial system.
