The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a loan of up to US$8 million to improve the efficiency of the public sector and strengthen fiscal sustainability in Belize, enhancing public employment management and optimizing spending.
The program, which will be executed by Belize’s Ministry of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, aims to strengthen strategic workforce management and promote a more efficient, transparent, and digitally enabled public administration.
Belize has made progress in strengthening its fiscal position, but a growing wage bill continues to constrain resources for priority investments. By improving public employment management, the program will help create space for investments in infrastructure, education, and health while supporting sustainable growth.
Among the key reforms, the program will introduce an integrated Human Resources Management Information System, strengthen payroll controls, and support workforce planning and compensation reforms. It will also invest in digital infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity to improve decision-making and operational efficiency across government.
“This program will help Belize build a more modern, efficient, and transparent public sector, strengthening its capacity to deliver better services to citizens while supporting fiscal sustainability and long-term development,” said Karla González, IDB representative in Belize.
The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 16,000 public employees through improved systems, training, and more transparent practices. It will also enhance public sector workforce skills and improve the use of data to guide policy and management decisions across the public sector.
The program promotes inclusive public employment practices and supports Belize’s broader digital transformation agenda, contributing to more responsive and citizen-centered service delivery. It aligns with the IDB’s work to strengthen institutions and public management across the region.
The total project cost is $9 million, including $8 million financed by the IDB and $1 million in local counterpart funding, with a five-year disbursement period.