Ilan Goldfajn in Haiti: A visit marked by funding announcements for the economic and health sectors
By Gedeon Delva · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
The two-day visit of IDB President Ilan Goldfajn to Haiti concluded on Friday, May 9, 2025. His visit to the country allowed him to meet with the highest local authorities, notably the President of the Transitional Presidential Council, Fritz Alphonse Jean, to explore the modalities of strengthened technical and financial support for Haiti during this very difficult period.
Indeed, upon his arrival, he visited the largest hospital in the Northern department, Justinien Hospital. The head of the Inter-American Development Bank reiterated his commitment to the health sector. According to our information, a package of 85 to 100 million dollars was announced by the IDB.
This substantial investment will not only allow for the renovation of existing infrastructure but also the acquisition of modern medical equipment and the training of healthcare personnel. Sectoral meetings and field visits to ongoing projects were also conducted. The objective was to evaluate current actions to strengthen impact and boost regional cooperation. Ilan Goldfajn visited the Caracol and Codevi industrial parks. He was able to speak with officials and sector members, assessing the economic challenges and various potentials in the greater Northern region. The IDB is committed to helping revive the country's economy, particularly in this department. On Wednesday, May 7, the Haitian government signed a project financing agreement with Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This adjustment amounts to 125 million US dollars. This agreement aims to adapt the project to specific challenges in Haiti, particularly concerning governance and stability. The stated objective: to serve over 130,000 households and consolidate essential services in both rural and urban areas. This visit was part of the school feeding program implemented with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Bureau of Nutrition and Development (BND). This program aims to keep children in school, away from criminal influences, while stimulating the local economy. Currently, 60% of students are covered, with meals composed of 70% local products. Over 170 Haitian producers are integrated into the supply chain. At the end of his mission, a high-level meeting took place between Ilan Goldfajn, members of the Haitian government, and the Transitional Presidential Council, including the Minister of Finance, Alfred Metellus. Discussions focused on national priorities regarding basic services, job creation, and private sector support. “Employment is more than just income: it brings stability and strengthens communities,” recalled the IDB President, highlighting the institution's pillars of action: energy, connectivity, training, and infrastructure. It is worth recalling that in June 2006, a former president of this institution, Luis Alberto Moreno, visited the country's second-largest city with almost the same objectives and challenges. Nearly 20 years later, the same problems still persist.
This substantial investment will not only allow for the renovation of existing infrastructure but also the acquisition of modern medical equipment and the training of healthcare personnel. Sectoral meetings and field visits to ongoing projects were also conducted. The objective was to evaluate current actions to strengthen impact and boost regional cooperation. Ilan Goldfajn visited the Caracol and Codevi industrial parks. He was able to speak with officials and sector members, assessing the economic challenges and various potentials in the greater Northern region. The IDB is committed to helping revive the country's economy, particularly in this department. On Wednesday, May 7, the Haitian government signed a project financing agreement with Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This adjustment amounts to 125 million US dollars. This agreement aims to adapt the project to specific challenges in Haiti, particularly concerning governance and stability. The stated objective: to serve over 130,000 households and consolidate essential services in both rural and urban areas. This visit was part of the school feeding program implemented with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Bureau of Nutrition and Development (BND). This program aims to keep children in school, away from criminal influences, while stimulating the local economy. Currently, 60% of students are covered, with meals composed of 70% local products. Over 170 Haitian producers are integrated into the supply chain. At the end of his mission, a high-level meeting took place between Ilan Goldfajn, members of the Haitian government, and the Transitional Presidential Council, including the Minister of Finance, Alfred Metellus. Discussions focused on national priorities regarding basic services, job creation, and private sector support. “Employment is more than just income: it brings stability and strengthens communities,” recalled the IDB President, highlighting the institution's pillars of action: energy, connectivity, training, and infrastructure. It is worth recalling that in June 2006, a former president of this institution, Luis Alberto Moreno, visited the country's second-largest city with almost the same objectives and challenges. Nearly 20 years later, the same problems still persist.
