IDB and Belize Sign $8 Million Agreement

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has committed an $8 million financing package to support Belize’s efforts to expand labour force participation and improve employability across key sectors. The agreement was signed during the Belize Investment Summit held in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, by Prime Minister John Briceño and IDB’s General Manager for Central America, Tomás Bermúdez.

The initiative aims to address Belize’s skilled labour shortage by modernising public employment services and increasing access to quality training in high-demand industries such as tourism, business process outsourcing (BPO), and information and communication technology (ICT). More than 20,000 job seekers are expected to benefit from the programme, including at least 2,360 individuals who will receive specialised training in priority sectors.

As part of the modernisation effort, Belize will introduce digital platforms for job matching, labour market information, and case management. The programme will also implement new service models tailored to vulnerable groups, offering career guidance, entrepreneurship support, and outreach in areas with limited salaried employment opportunities. An employer engagement strategy will be launched to strengthen partnerships with businesses, align services with labour market needs, and improve job placement outcomes.

To further develop talent pipelines, the programme will offer demand-driven training aligned with employer needs, including a pilot initiative focused on advanced digital skills for remote and nearshore ICT employment. In support of women’s participation in the workforce, the programme will train childcare workers, particularly those caring for children with disabilities, and provide stipends to reduce financial barriers for participants from vulnerable communities.

Migrants will also benefit from improved access to employment services and training tailored to their needs, including assistance with work permits, language support, and culturally relevant outreach strategies.