The Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB, the Bank) Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) Network is pleased to have supported Haiti’s Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole (BNDA), with a grant of USD 72,163 to complete its new five-year Strategic Plan. The initiative will strengthen BNDA’s institutional capacity and expand access to finance for agricultural stakeholders.

Further it will enable BNDA to enhance its governance, operational efficiency, and strategic direction as it works to become Haiti’s first universal bank by 2030. The Strategic Plan includes an actionable roadmap to improve BNDA’s ability to deliver financial services, which will benefit Haiti’s farmers, agro-processors, and Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

“CDB is proud to have partnered with BNDA on this transformative journey,” said Lisa Harding, Division Chief, Private Sector Division at CDB. “This plan is not just about strengthening an institution – it’s about empowering Haiti’s agricultural sector, improving food security, and creating inclusive economic opportunities for rural communities. BNDA’s vision aligns with the Bank’s efforts to build resilience and promote private sector development, especially among MSMEs.”

BNDA was officially launched in 2021 and has since disbursed over USD 2.1 million in agricultural loans, including tailored financing for rice producers – a critical step toward improving national food security. The Agricultural Bank has also established regional service points and partnerships with financial institutions to decentralise access to credit and financial services.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Faude Joseph, President of the Board of BNDA Haiti, stated “The technical assistance provided by the Caribbean Development Bank in developing BNDA Haiti’s five-year Strategic Plan has been both insightful and transformative. Through their expertise, collaborative approach, and deep understanding of our institutional realities, we have crafted a roadmap that is ambitious, resilient, and aligned with our mission to promote agricultural development, expand financial inclusion, and become Haiti’s first universal bank by 2030. This partnership not only improves our governance but also reaffirms our shared commitment to sustainable growth and long-term national progress.”

The Strategic Plan, which was informed by an initial institutional assessment of BNDA’s operations, was completed in September 2025, after almost two years of engagement with the Agricultural Bank in Haiti. It is expected to guide BNDA’s efforts to adopt innovative technologies, improve risk management, and strengthen its outreach to underserved populations, including women and youth in rural areas. This project is in keeping with CDB’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable development across the region, particularly in countries facing complex socio-economic challenges.