IDB President Goldfajn Unveils $125M Water Project During Landmark Haiti Visit

In a visit that marks a significant milestone in multilateral support for Haiti, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Ilan Goldfajn arrived in Cap-Haïtien this week at the invitation of Haitian Economy and Finance Minister Alfred Mettelus. This is the first visit by the president of a major multilateral development bank to Haiti in many years, signaling renewed regional and global support for the Caribbean nation’s recovery and development.

The visit comes at a critical juncture as Haiti confronts long-standing challenges compounded by political instability, economic stagnation, and security issues. The IDB has reaffirmed its strong and long-term commitment to support Haiti through a series of new projects and a collaborative, forward-looking recovery strategy.

Medium-Term Recovery Plan (2025–2030): A New Vision for Haiti

During the high-level mission, the IDB assumed a leading role in coordinating the Medium-Term Recovery and Development Plan (2025–2030), in close partnership with the Haitian government, the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Bank. This strategy outlines a regional and phased approach to recovery, initially focusing on the Great North region.

The plan is structured around three core pillars:

1. Economic Recovery and Private Sector-Led Growth

2. Basic Services and Human Capital Development

3. Institutional Strengthening, Justice, and Security

By addressing bottlenecks, mapping development opportunities, and aligning funding with local realities, the plan aims to create a realistic, sustainable path forward for Haiti.

“We’re committed to Haiti's recovery and the future of the people of Haiti,” said President Goldfajn. “We are working hand in hand with Haitian authorities to align resources, investments, and implementation on the ground.”

Major New Investment: $125M Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project

One of the most tangible outcomes of President Goldfajn’s visit is the signing of a revised $125 million Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project for Haiti’s Grand North region. The project aims to provide access to clean water and improved sanitation services to over 130,000 households. It also focuses on bolstering the capacity of water service providers operating in fragile and underserved communities.

This initiative not only addresses urgent public health needs but also supports broader development goals by improving living conditions and reducing vulnerability to waterborne diseases.

Driving Private Sector Growth: Energy, Jobs, and Skills

Recognizing the critical role of the private sector in sustainable development, the IDB is placing a renewed emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. President Goldfajn will convene a roundtable with Haitian business leaders to explore avenues for mobilizing investments, creating jobs, and strengthening value chains in the short term.

“Fostering private sector jobs and income is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and violence,” Goldfajn emphasized. “That’s why we’re investing in energy, infrastructure, and skills—and we want to deepen partnerships with Haitian firms and entrepreneurs.”

Through IDB Invest and IDB Lab, the Bank supports private enterprises in strategic locations such as the Caracol and CODEVI industrial parks, which will be key stops on the delegation’s tour. These parks are hubs of economic activity and serve as examples of the potential for industrial growth and job creation in Haiti.

Strengthening Institutions and Social Services

The President’s agenda also includes meetings with several Cabinet ministers to assess how ongoing and future IDB-funded programs can support Haiti’s priorities in health, education, infrastructure, and governance. The IDB is currently preparing $140 million in projects for 2025–2026, including:

• A youth skills development program designed to counter gang recruitment and empower vulnerable populations.

• The rehabilitation of the emergency room and surgical ward at Hospital Justinien, Cap-Haïtien’s main public hospital.

• Support for school infrastructure and teacher training to enhance the quality of basic education.

Goldfajn’s visit will also include site visits to Hospital Justinien and Ecole Mère Anne Marie, which serve as critical pillars in the region’s health and education systems.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up Support

Over the past five years, the IDB has mobilized over $670 million for Haiti, with $200 million allocated in the last year alone to support sectors including health, water, sanitation, and private enterprise. Looking to the future, the Bank has proposed $243 million in new grant resources for 2025–2026, which will build on the momentum generated by this visit.

The mission will conclude with discussions on the expansion of Cap-Haïtien Airport, an initiative expected to improve connectivity and trade, and further support economic development in the north.

President Goldfajn’s visit to Haiti sends a strong signal: the IDB is not only a financial partner but a strategic ally in Haiti’s long-term development. By prioritizing inclusive growth, resilient institutions, and regional equity, the IDB is helping to chart a more hopeful future for the Haitian people.