The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Cuba has announced a fresh initiative aimed at providing actors within the agro-industrial sector with funds reaching up to $40,000. This financial support is designed to boost their production capabilities and encourage sustainable development.
The UNDP Cuba disclosed on its website that this effort is part of the "Support to New Economic Actors for Economic Diversification, Innovation, and Sustainability (NAE)" project. This project is funded by the European Union and executed in collaboration with the French Cooperation, the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP), the National Institute of Economic Research (INIE), and other Cuban entities.
This call targets state and private Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MiPymes), Non-Agricultural Cooperatives (CNA), and Local Development Projects (PDL) across western, central, and eastern regions of the nation.
The funds may be utilized by recipients to procure equipment, materials, and technologies that enhance both efficiency and sustainability, as highlighted in the announcement.
Although this initiative could currently benefit some projects in eastern Cuba—a region severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa—it once again demonstrates the "passive" financial assistance of these international organizations towards the Cuban regime.
According to the UNDP, the program prioritizes projects that have a local impact, generate employment, and incorporate innovation and information technology. Moreover, the availability of co-financing by applicants is considered valuable, as it underscores each entity's commitment to their proposal.
The initial call earlier this year resulted in the selection of ten initiatives from eastern Cuba. This second iteration aims to extend its reach to other provinces, especially those suffering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, where economic and productive recovery remains a challenge.
Applications will be accepted from November 21 to December 19, 2025, with results announced following a selection process not exceeding four months.
Interested parties can seek guidance and consultation on the application process at their provincial Territorial Development offices.
Through this initiative, the UNDP and the European Union intend to bolster the role of new economic actors amid the structural crisis in Cuba’s rural areas. Here, the lack of supplies, financing, and autonomy hinders growth in the agro-industrial sector.
Recently, the UNDP issued an urgent call to local businesses and actors in Cuba to aid recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
This call was specifically directed at local economic actors with access to emergency supplies that could be delivered immediately to support humanitarian efforts addressing the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba.
FAQ on UNDP's $40,000 Fund Initiative for Cuban Agro-Cooperatives
Who is eligible for the UNDP's funding initiative in Cuba?
Eligible entities include state and private Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MiPymes), Non-Agricultural Cooperatives (CNA), and Local Development Projects (PDL) located in the western, central, and eastern regions of Cuba.
What purposes can the funds be used for?
Recipients can use the funds to acquire equipment, resources, and technologies that will improve efficiency and sustainability in their operations.
When is the application period for this initiative?
Applications will be open from November 21 to December 19, 2025, with the selection process expected to conclude within four months.