El Salvador is set to receive $1.3 billion in financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group in 2026, reinforcing a growing partnership aimed at accelerating economic expansion and social development. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between President Nayib Bukele and IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn, who highlighted continued collaboration under the El Salvador CRECE program.
Goldfajn described the talks as constructive and focused on strengthening long-term cooperation between the country and the multilateral institution. “We had a very positive meeting with President Nayib Bukele to continue strengthening the alliance between El Salvador and the IDB Group,” he wrote on X. He added that discussions included progress under El Salvador CRECE and coordinated efforts through both the IDB and IDB Invest.
The 2026 financing package will prioritize housing and tourism, two sectors viewed as strategic engines for job creation and investment. Expanded housing programs are expected to increase access to financing and stimulate construction activity, while tourism funding aims to build on El Salvador’s recent momentum in international arrivals and infrastructure development.
President Bukele emphasized the scope of the support in a repost, stating: “$1.3 billion more for housing, tourism, health, and education.” The inclusion of health and education signals a broader development agenda designed to strengthen human capital alongside economic growth.
El Salvador’s economic trajectory, the renewed commitment from the IDB Group sends a clear signal of international confidence. With multilateral financing aligned to key growth sectors and social investment, the 2026 package positions El Salvador to consolidate gains, expand employment opportunities, and further advance its development strategy.