GUATEMALA —The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has approved a third increase of USD 8.8 million in the global credit line available to Financiera Consolidada, S.A. (COFINSA), bringing the facility’s total authorised amount to USD 38.8 million. The financing is intended to expand access to credit for businesses and productive activities in Guatemala, with funding channelled through COFINSA, which forms part of CMI Capital within Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI).
The additional resources are expected to support working capital requirements and purchases of fixed assets, alongside productive investment and foreign trade operations. A primary channel will be CABEI’s Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Support Program under the National Credit Guarantee Fund. The facility will also accommodate financing needs of women-led businesses, extending support across different segments of the Guatemalan private sector.
The credit line builds on a relationship established in 2022. Since then, 62 loans have been extended to medium-sized companies, which collectively account for 1,832 jobs, according to the disclosed figures. Beneficiary sectors include manufacturing, logistics, commerce, real estate, higher education and services. The additional allocation increases the financing capacity available through the existing arrangement, although the approval does not itself establish how much of the enlarged facility has already been disbursed.
The expansion is relevant to businesses that need external financing to manage operating expenses, purchase equipment or support cross-border trade. Working-capital facilities can help companies address cash-flow gaps, while fixed-asset financing can support productive capacity. Access to credit may be particularly significant for medium-sized firms that have limited funding options or require guarantees to secure commercial lending.
For Guatemala’s manufacturing, logistics, property and service industries, the facility provides an additional route to financing through a local financial intermediary rather than direct lending to each business by a multilateral institution. Support for women-led enterprises also broadens the intended reach of the programme. The practical economic impact will depend on subsequent loan allocation, borrower demand and repayment performance.
CABEI is a multilateral development bank established to promote economic integration and development across Central America and other member countries. COFINSA is a Guatemalan financial intermediary within CMI Capital, part of the broader Corporación Multi Inversiones group. Their arrangement combines development-bank funding with local lending capacity, allowing resources to reach businesses through an established financial institution.
