L'Ouverture Economic Development Plan

Full Title:
L’Ouverture Economic Development Plan for Haiti Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill would create the Haitian American Enterprise Fund for Haiti. The President may designate a nonprofit to serve as the Fund. The Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would operate the Fund. A nine-member Oversight Panel would monitor the Fund; members would be appointed by the DFC CEO and the President and include U.S. and Haitian citizens. The Fund may invest in private-sector projects in Haiti, focusing on micro, small, and medium businesses and sectors such as agriculture, biodiversity, construction, energy, finance, manufacturing, and tourism. Allowed activities include equity investments, loans, guarantees, grants, insurance, technical assistance, and training. The Fund may support national infrastructure projects (electricity, roads, ports, water and sanitation, dams, canals, stormwater systems, and related health programs) and may encourage U.S. private venture capital. The bill limits federal funds used as grants to 20 percent and caps operating costs and feasibility studies at 15 percent of appropriated funds. The Fund must be audited annually by an independent accountant and may be audited by the Government Accountability Office when it holds U.S. funds. The Fund must repay all U.S. funds to the Treasury and terminate by December 31, 2031. The bill authorizes $1,000,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2031, available until expended or Fund termination.

What it means for you#

  • If you run or work for a Haitian small or medium business, projects in the listed sectors may be eligible for investments or technical help from the Fund.
  • Haitian diaspora investors or U.S. venture capital could be invited to invest through Fund-established financial instruments.
  • Organizations working on infrastructure, agriculture, or private-sector development in Haiti may be able to receive loans, guarantees, or training support.
  • The Fund would be run by the DFC with oversight and regular public reports and audits.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $1,000,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2031 to carry out the Act.
  • Returns on Fund investments may be used by the Fund without transfer to the Treasury, but the Fund must repay the full amount of U.S. funds it received by December 31, 2031.
  • No other cost estimates or projected budgetary effects are provided in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

The bill text says supporters want to promote private-sector growth in Haiti, strengthen institutions and democracy, build resilient infrastructure, leverage the Haitian-American diaspora and U.S. private capital, reduce irregular migration, and support long-term development that avoids debt-trap financing. It cites Haiti's strategic location, historical ties, large diaspora remittances, and a need for investments to achieve development goals.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.