Bancóldex, UNDP, and Colombia’s Victims Unit Launch $5.3 Billion ‘Financial Transformation, Territories of Peace’ Program

Bancóldex, Colombia’s Business Development Bank, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Victims Unit, has launched a $5.3 billion initiative aimed at providing financial support and resources to individuals and productive units affected by the country’s armed conflict. The program, titled ‘Financial transformation, territories of peace,’ seeks to foster economic recovery and resilience in conflict-affected regions.

Addressing the Needs of Conflict Victims

The program is designed as a comprehensive, regional, and sustainable initiative to support victims of the armed conflict, with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs, and leaders. It aims to empower these individuals to establish and grow productive projects that generate economic well-being for their families and communities. The initiative recognizes the unique challenges faced by those impacted by the conflict and seeks to provide tailored financial and non-financial support.

Key Components of the Program

The ‘Financial transformation, territories of peace’ program offers a range of services, including:

• Financial Education: Methodologies to strengthen financial literacy and decision-making skills among productive units.
• Access to Credit: Assistance in accessing productive credit through differentiated conditions and the Bancóldex digital platform, Neocrédito, which connects microentrepreneurs with financial intermediaries.
• Financial Solutions: Creation of financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of victims of the conflict.
• Financial Resources: A $5.3 billion line of credit funded by the United Nations Multi-Donor Peace Fund (MPTF) through the UNDP.

Funding and Eligibility

The $5.3 billion in resources will be allocated to finance productive units – both natural and legal persons – that have been victims of the internal armed conflict. A differentiated interest rate will be applied to projects where at least one of the participants is a woman. Victim status will be verified through the National Information Network.

Funds can be used for:

• Working Capital & Debt Consolidation: Financing raw materials, inventories, operating expenses, and consolidating existing liabilities (excluding debts to partners or shareholders).
• Modernization: Purchasing or leasing real estate, acquiring machinery, and making locative repairs.

Interested individuals and businesses can apply for loans through any credit establishment nationwide that has an agreement with Bancóldex.

Statements from Key Leaders

Claudio Tomasi, Resident Representative of the UNDP in Colombia, emphasized the UNDP’s role as a facilitator, connecting visions, actors, and resources to build peace. UNDP aims to bridge the gap between public and private sectors, reparation policies, and local economic dynamics, promoting accessible financial products and strengthening the resilience of conflict-affected communities.

José Alberto Garzón, President (e) of Bancóldex, highlighted the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion in the regions, understanding the specific needs of the business sector and its connection to productive projects of conflict victims. Bancóldex’s 2026 roadmap focuses on strengthening regional presence, financial inclusion, productivity, internationalization, and sustainable development.

Alix Aguilar Tirado, e-director of the Victims Unit, stated that the program provides a significant opportunity for victims to strengthen their productive capacities, aligning with the Government’s commitment to supporting these initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The ‘Financial transformation, territories of peace’ program represents a significant step towards fostering economic recovery and inclusion in Colombia’s conflict-affected regions. By providing targeted financial support and resources, the initiative aims to empower victims to rebuild their lives and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous future. The program aligns with Colombia’s broader efforts to address the legacy of the armed conflict and promote sustainable development.