Newsletter December 2024

Celebrating a Year of Impact and Transformation at CIFI

Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,

As we close 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect with you on a year filled with significant progress and transformative achievements that reaffirm our unwavering commitment to sustainability and development across Latin America and the Caribbean.
This year has brought us closer to our purpose of creating positive impacts for the communities and environment we serve.
 
Among our most outstanding milestones, we celebrate obtaining accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), making CIFI the first Panamanian financial institution to gain access to this prestigious entity. This achievement not only validates our capacity to lead climate financing projects but also opens new avenues to channel international resources into initiatives that combat climate change and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.

Additionally, we are pleased to welcome new partners , including the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Dominican Sustainable Fund Trust I, and Symbiotics, who collectively contributed USD 39.5 million to our Sustainable Infrastructure Debt Fund (SIDF). With these contributions, the SIDF is on track to reach USD 200 million by mid-2025.
 
This year, we also became the first private Panamanian issuer to utilize phase II of the iLink connection with Euroclear, successfully issuing USD 10 million in green bonds. This milestone supports the region's energy transition while reinforcing our commitment to delivering tangible community and environmental benefits.
 
Lastly, projects such as Arcadia, which includes financing the Cancura Wind Farm in Chile, demonstrate our dedication to advancing sustainable energy. With 36.6 MW of installed capacity and an expected annual reduction of 27,000 tons of carbon emissions, this project exemplifies how our investments drive both environmental progress and community well-being.
 
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year full of exciting opportunities to consolidate our impact and explore new avenues that enable us to lead the transition toward a sustainable future. I am excited about what we will accomplish together, fueled by the commitment, passion, and vision that define us.

The future is bright and full of possibilities, and we will face it with renewed energy and a shared purpose.
 
With gratitude and enthusiasm,

César Cañedo-Argüelles
CEO of CIFI

Expanding Our Sustainable Infrastructure Debt Fund (SIDF)

In November 2024, CIFI successfully closed a second phase of capital raising for its Sustainable Infrastructure Debt Fund (SIDF), securing USD 39.5 million from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Dominican Sustainable Fund Trust I , and Symbiotics. With this milestone, the fund is set to achieve a total size of USD 200 million by mid-2025.

SIDF Achievements in 2023:
  • 181.7 MW of renewable energy capacity installed.
  • 45,850 tons of CO2 emissions reduced annually.
  • 1,824 direct jobs created.
  • Clean energy for more than 33,600 people.
This fund exemplifies CIFI’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and our capacity to foster regional growth and environmental resilience.
 
Learn more about this milestone in our Press Release.

Cancura Wind Farm: Driving the Energy Transition

CIFI played a pivotal role in structuring financing for the Cancura Wind Farm in Chile, a transformative project that underscores our commitment to sustainability.

Located in Angol, Araucanía, this project will deliver 36.6 MW of renewable energy annually, equivalent to 65,000 MWh, reducing over 27,000 tons of carbon emissions each year. Beyond its environmental benefits, Cancura is also positively impacting the local community through social responsibility initiatives.
 
Key Project Highlights:
  • Community Impact: Improved infrastructure such as roads, water access, and electricity for local families.
  • Innovative Infrastructure: Integration of a regulated substation to optimize energy transmission.
  • Strategic Financing: Structured by CIFI with a USD 34 million senior loan, including USD 15.6 million from our portfolio, supported by global partners.
Clem Bibo, Senior Investment Officer at CIFI, stated: "The structuring of this financing reinforces our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable financial solutions. This project not only contributes to the generation of clean energy but also to the well-being of local communities."
With this project, CIFI continues to lead the transition toward a cleaner and more equitable energy future in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Learn more about this transformative project in our Press Release.

Supporting Sustainable Leadership

CIFI’s Director of ESG, Carla Chizmar, served as a juror for the 2024 AmCham Panama Sustainable Leadership Recognition Awards. This event celebrates companies that excel in sustainability practices, encouraging a corporate culture aligned with social and environmental responsibility.
 

Since its inception, this program has engaged over 60 companies and evaluated approximately 170 initiatives with a tangible positive impact on Panamanian society. These initiatives are assessed by a panel of national and international judges with extensive experience and recognized expertise.

The awards serve as a platform for inspiration and learning, allowing companies to share their best practices and foster a more conscious business culture aligned with the principles of sustainability and social responsibility.

Carla Chizmar's participation as a judge reaffirms CIFI's commitment to sustainable leadership and strengthens our role as agents of positive change in the region, promoting projects that generate economic, social, and environmental impact.

To discover this year’s winners, click here.

Connecting Ideas, Driving Regional Growth

CIFI has actively participated in key regional and international events over the past months, driving the conversation on sustainable finance, resilient infrastructure, and energy development. Our participation highlights our leadership and commitment to fostering partnerships that catalyze impactful projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Event Highlights:
  • Panel discussions showcasing our expertise in sustainable infrastructure.
  • Business development opportunities, strengthening strategic alliances with key international players.
  • Representing sustainability leadership across multiple forums.

Who Represented Us?

Our leadership team, including César Cañedo-Argüelles (CEO), Ramón Candia (Chief Investment Officer), Carla Chizmar (Director of ESG), and Nicolás Giancola (Origination Manager), brought CIFI’s vision and expertise to global conversations on sustainability and development.

Advancing Women’s Leadership in Latin America

In alignment with our commitment to gender equality and sustainability, CIFI was proud to sponsor the 10th Annual Conference of the Panama Women Directors Association (ADP), held on October 1, 2024. This pivotal event brought together leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to promote women’s active participation in leadership roles across the region.

The ADP’s mission focuses on fostering the development of female leaders in the corporate world, promoting diversity in boardrooms, and empowering women to take on decision-making positions. Over the years, ADP has worked tirelessly to close gender gaps in corporate leadership, creating support networks and platforms for professional empowerment.

This year’s conference featured a keynote address by Sharon Lechter, co-author of the globally renowned series "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." Her inspiring session encouraged attendees to develop professional strategies and leadership skills, paving the way for impactful careers in their respective fields.
 
CIFI’s support for this event reaffirms our commitment to advancing women’s leadership and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society in Latin America. We firmly believe that diversity and representation are essential to driving sustainable development and fostering social and economic progress.

Check the post on our Instagram.

Building Connections at the 2024 Investor Forum

CIFI played a central role in the 25th Annual Investor Forum, hosted by Latinex, a platform dedicated to connecting financial leaders, investors, and key stakeholders across the region.

As sponsors of the networking area, we created a dynamic space for exchanging ideas and forging strategic alliances. During the event, César Cañedo-Argüelles, our CEO, joined a panel titled "Financing and Investment Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean," where he shared insights into sustainable and innovative project development.

Key Outcomes:
  • Recognition for Innovation: CIFI received acknowledgment for its contribution to advancing sustainable financial solutions in the region.
  • Strategic Connections: Our participation in the networking space facilitated new partnerships and strengthened relationships with key investors and collaborators.
  • Commitment to Development: The forum underscored our role in financing initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth and community welfare.

Creating Community Impact Through Corporate Social Responsibility

In 2024, CIFI reaffirmed its commitment to the communities of Latin America and the Caribbean through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These efforts reflect our dedication to sustainability, solidarity, and inclusive development.
Key CSR Programs:
 

  • Environmental Awareness at Sara Sotillo School:
    Partnering with Junior Achievement Panama, we engaged students aged 9 to 12 in workshops focusing on environmental care. Through the "Guardians of the Planet" program, children learned about water conservation, waste management, and individual roles in protecting the environment.
  • Marine Turtle Conservation:
    Supporting the Tortuguías Foundation, we participated in the release of baby sea turtles on Punta Chame Beach, helping protect endangered species and promote biodiversity.
  • Support for the National Oncology Institute:
    Our team shared moments of solidarity with patients and their families, offering support during extended waiting periods.
  • Donation to the Office of Women’s Equity in Panama City:
    CIFI donated hygiene packages to support women in vulnerable situations, addressing their immediate needs and raising awareness about gender-specific challenges.

Closing the Year: United for a Sustainable Future

As 2024 draws to a close, we at CIFI extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, collaborators, and allies for being part of this journey. This year has been full of achievements, lessons, and milestones made possible by the collective effort of those who share our vision of building a resilient and sustainable future for Latin America and the Caribbean.
 
Season’s Greetings and a Prosperous 2025: May the new year bring fresh opportunities, innovation, and shared success.

Ready for What’s Next?

Join us in 2025, a year filled with new ideas, transformative projects, and a continued commitment to sustainability. Stay connected with us on our platforms and be part of this journey toward a future of positive impact.

Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
Website
This message is being sent to you because your email address is in our database. The CIFI team will strive to provide you with quality information. However, if you decide that you no longer wish to receive our emails, please feel free to click the link below..Click here to unsubscribe.


Copyright 2024 CIFI. All rights reserved.