OPEC Fund provides US$50 million to expand small business and green finance in Honduras

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) has signed a US$50 million loan agreement with Banco de América Central Honduras S.A. (BAC Honduras) to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including women-owned businesses, and support climate-related investments across Honduras.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “Small businesses are central to employment and economic activity in Honduras, yet many continue to face significant barriers to finance. Our partnership with BAC Honduras will channel additional resources to entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses, while supporting investments that strengthen the country’s climate resilience. Together, we are helping advance a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy.”

MSMEs generate around half of Honduras’ GDP and approximately 80 percent of employment, representing close to 1.4 million jobs. Despite their importance to the economy, mainly remain underserved by the financial sector, with women-owned businesses facing particularly significant constraints.

The OPEC Fund loan will also contribute to Honduras’ climate objectives by supporting investments in both mitigation and adaptation. The country is highly exposed to hurricanes, floods, droughts and other climate-related risks, creating substantial investment in sectors including agriculture, infrastructure and water.

The OPEC Fund has a long-standing development partnership with Honduras, supporting priority investments across the country. The agreement with BAC Honduras expands this cooperation through the private sector and strengthens the OPEC Fund’s support for entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and climate action.

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$32 billion to development projects in over 125 countries. These projects represent a total value exceeding US$240 billion, equivalent to approximately US$7.50 mobilized for every US$1 committed by the OPEC Fund. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Positive by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.