Costa Rica, Colombia and Bolivia Named Development Superheroes

Projects from Costa Rica, Colombia and Bolivia have been named the 2026 “Superheroes of Development” by the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), recognising projects that overcame challenges and adapted their approaches to deliver results.

The three winning projects focused on improving transportation in Costa Rica, expanding internet access in rural Colombia and strengthening the açaí industry in Bolivia.

In Costa Rica, the project involved the expansion and improvement of the Paquera Port ferry terminal, which connects the Nicoya Peninsula with the rest of the country. Technical adjustments were also made through internal budget reallocations, allowing the project to avoid cost overruns and maintain service.

In Colombia, the project addressed the country’s digital divide, where more than 70 percent of the rural population lacked internet access. The project used solar-powered solutions, specialised providers and digital literacy programmes to bring 4G connectivity to previously unconnected communities.

Bolivia’s project focused on the açaí industry in the Amazon. The project helped establish supply agreements, improve coordination along the production chain and promote organic certification.

Belize was also among the six finalists for the 2026 award with its Ministry of Education project, “Teaching During a Pandemic: Belize’s Shift to Online Learning Reaches More Teachers and Narrows Gaps Between Boys and Girls.”

The project looked at how Belize adapted its teacher-support programme during the COVID-19 pandemic to reach more educators and address gaps in learning outcomes. Belize was not among the three projects selected as winners.

How Belize’s COVID Education Response Became a Development Superhero