Belmopan, October 14, 2026.
The Government of Belize held a presentation and stakeholder information meeting in preparation for the Rural Electrification Program at the Social Security Conference Room in Punta Gorda Town on October 9, 2026. The Ministry of National Security, Energy and Ports leads the program, working with the Ministry of Economic Transformation and the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government.
The program aims to extend access to reliable and sustainable electricity in underserved rural communities in southern Belize. It combines extensions to the national electricity distribution grid with solar photovoltaic mini-grids, energy storage, and household wiring, according to the needs and circumstances of eligible communities. These investments are intended to improve daily living conditions and support local businesses and other productive activities.
The program’s total financing package amounts to US$23.75 million, comprising a US$20 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), US$1 million in grant financing from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and US$2.75 million in grant financing through the IDB Grant Migration Facility.
Community participation is central to the program. Engagement with Indigenous communities will be culturally appropriate and guided by Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). The stakeholder information meeting forms part of this engagement process and does not, by itself, constitute community consent to project implementation.
The Ministry of Economic Transformation will support alignment with national development priorities and coordination of public investment. The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government will support community outreach, local coordination, and inclusive participation. The ministries will work together with the IDB to support implementation and monitor progress.
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government will play a central role in connecting the program’s national investment objectives with the priorities of rural communities, in line with the National Rural Development Strategy and the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. Its involvement will strengthen community outreach, local coordination, and inclusive participation so that implementation reflects local circumstances and delivers practical benefits to households and communities.
As preparation advances, continued community engagement and technical assessments will inform the development of project designs and implementation arrangements. Through this partnership, the Government of Belize and the IDB aim to reduce the barriers that prevent rural households from accessing reliable electricity and create better conditions for livelihoods and local economic development.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr. Carlos Pol
Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Economic Transformation
ceo@met.gov.bz
