CAF approves Saint Kitts and Nevis, Haiti as new shareholder countries

CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean has approved the incorporation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Haiti as new shareholder countries, expanding the institution’s footprint in the Caribbean and opening access for both nations to development financing, technical assistance and knowledge programs tailored to small island and climate-vulnerable states.

The approvals were granted during CAF’s Board of Directors meeting in Panama City, where the bank also approved US$3.175 billion in new operations across the region. The funding will support projects in electricity infrastructure, water security, sustainable transport, assistance for vulnerable communities, and financing for small and medium-sized enterprises and productive sectors.

With the addition of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Haiti, CAF will have tripled the number of its Caribbean shareholder countries compared with 2023, underscoring its growing engagement in the region.

The move follows a series of expansions over the past year. In June 2025, CAF approved the incorporation of Saint Lucia during its Board meeting in Seville, Spain. Over the previous twelve months, The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada also joined CAF’s shareholder base. The institution now counts six Caribbean shareholder countries, with several others at different stages of the incorporation process.

CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados said the addition of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Haiti reinforces the bank’s commitment to the Caribbean at a critical time for the region.

“Saint Kitts and Nevis and Haiti are joining a homegrown development bank that was set up by the region for the region,” Díaz-Granados said, describing CAF as “more than a bank” and a bridge connecting Latin America and the Caribbean. He noted that the institution is focused on delivering solutions that reflect the realities of vulnerable Caribbean small island developing states, working directly with countries to turn development priorities into sustained progress and measurable outcomes.

The Board of Directors also confirmed Barbados’ compliance with the conditions required to transition to full member country status, joining Trinidad and Tobago as the only other full CAF member from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

CAF’s presence in the Caribbean has expanded steadily since the opening of its regional office in Trinidad and Tobago in 2022. Since then, the bank has supported a broad portfolio of initiatives across the region, including climate financing, resilient infrastructure, water security, modernization of public services, cultural and heritage tourism, education and digital transformation, and programs supporting the blue and green economy.

CAF said it remains committed to strengthening partnerships with Caribbean governments and providing agile and flexible development financing to help countries advance their national development priorities.