Haiti

Haiti's development continues to be hindered by political instability, increased violence, and unprecedented levels of insecurity, which exacerbate fragility. Haiti remains the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean and among the poorest countries in the world. The level of violence and insecurity remains high, displacing 1.5 million people as of September 2026. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, from January to September 2026, 5,700 people have been killed or injured by gangs or related security force operations.

Haiti is also one of the most vulnerable countries to natural hazards, mainly hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. More than 96 percent of the population is exposed to these types of shocks. Between March and June 2026, over 5.83 million people experienced high levels of acute food insecurity. Improvements in human capital have also stalled or deteriorated and infants and maternal mortality remain at high levels, especially for the poorest households.

According to the 2020 Human Capital Index, a child born today in Haiti will grow up to be only 45 percent as productive as they could be if he or she had enjoyed full access to quality education and healthcare.

Over one-fifth of children are at risk of cognitive and physical limitations, and only 78 percent of 15-year-olds will survive to age 60.

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Haiti's economy remains in a prolonged contraction, with real GDP declining for an eighth consecutive year in 2026. After falling 2.7 percent in 2025, real GDP contracted by an estimated 1.5 percent in 2026, reflecting persistent insecurity, political uncertainty, disrupted trade and transport, and continued weakness across agriculture, industry, and services. An estimated 50.8 percent of Haitians live on less than US$3.00 a day (2021 PPP), and with population growth expected to outpace economic growth, this share is projected to rise to 51.2 percent by 2028. The overall level of inflation remains high (21.5% in 2026), and the burden has fallen hardest on poorer households.

The outlook carries significant downside risks, foremost the feasibility of elections planned for December 2026 and February 2027 and the pace of deployment of the GSF. Higher oil and commodity prices and continued monetary financing could revive inflationary pressure. Over the medium term, a durable improvement in security is needed to restore inclusive growth, alongside strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, social protection, and the business environment.

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Haiti’s portfolio is aligned with the World Bank Group’s 2025-2029 Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and contributes to all three Framework pillars through support for economic governance and jobs, maintenance of essential service delivery systems, and investments that preserve human capital and strengthen resilience to shocks.

It comprises 17 projects with a total commitment of approximately US$1.25 billion, covering education, unconditional cash transfers and health care for vulnerable populations, strengthening infrastructure and connectivity, support cash-for-work and strengthen food security, while also increasing the government’s capacity to respond to natural disasters, and expanding electricity access in rural areas of Haiti.

These projects have allowed millions of Haitians to access shelter after hurricanes and floods. Government coordination and response have also been strengthened, leading to better preparation and resulting in less life and livelihood losses.

The World Bank is adopting flexibilities into project design and implementation considerations to circumvent crisis conditions through: (i) scaling up partnerships with UN and other agencies for service delivery in hard-to-reach areas; (ii) prioritizing projects outside of the capital where implementation is possible; and (iii) introducing digital tools and remote monitoring of implementation.

IFC complements the World Bank's efforts by supporting Haiti's private sector as a catalyst for inclusive growth and resilience. Aligned with the 2025–2029 Country Partnership Framework, IFC focuses on inclusion, economic growth, productivity, and sustainability — with the goal of preserving and creating jobs while strengthening the competitiveness of Haitian businesses.

IFC provides both investment and advisory services to firms operating in challenging conditions. Recent engagements include a US$13.5 million investment alongside IDB Invest in Solengy Haiti S.A. to expand solar energy access across the country, and financing and advisory support to the Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) to install solar panels and battery systems — improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on costly fuel imports. IFC is also serving as transaction advisor for a pilot public-private partnership (PPP) in Lascahobas to professionalize the management of piped water systems, bringing in private operators under the oversight of Haiti's national water authority, DINEPA. Across these efforts, IFC leverages the IDA Private Sector Window to mobilize concessional finance and reduce investment risk in Haiti's fragile environment, helping private capital flow to where it is needed most.

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In March 2025, the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors endorsed a new strategic partnership for Haiti. The new plan for the 2025-2029 period focuses on laying a foundation for economic and social recovery. It also intends to mitigate risks of further deterioration of human capital, physical infrastructure, and institutional capacity.

The new strategy will make approximately $320 million in grant financing available with the aim of building resilience among Haiti’s most vulnerable. The strategy includes three general pillars:

·       Strengthen economic governance and creating job opportunities:The World Bank Group will continue to support short- and medium-term actions that can catalyze long-term structural changes by supporting climate-resilient agriculture and providing access to credit and financial resources. Improving roads, energy, water, and digital access are also vital for populations engaged in agricultural value chains.

·       Maintain essential institutional capacity to support basic delivery of services: Under this objective, the World Bank will support institutional modernization at the central level, implementation of key decentralization reforms, and promotion of greater accountability and citizen engagement at all government levels. Addressing socioeconomic grievances regarding inequality and exclusion and restoring private sector confidence will also be included, as well as. It will also assist the government in critical areas of public service delivery.

·       Preserve human capital and strengthen resilience to natural disasters and man-made shocks: The World Bank will support the government in emergency preparedness and response, reducing disaster risk, reconstructing basic infrastructure, and strengthening resilience in the transportation and urban sectors. The objective is to enhance resilience and preparedness in high climate risk areas by improving early warning systems, disease surveillance, all-weather road access, and resilience at airports.

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