Calls for Innovative Digital Solutions for Financial Inclusion in Rural Communities
- CAF and strategic partners launch international call to promote fintech projects and digital solutions with an impact on rural communities and MSMEs
- Registration open until September 7
(Port of Spain, Trinidad, August 28, 2025)
CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, together with its strategic partners, has launched the 2025 call for the Laboratory on Financial Inclusion (LFI). LFI, now in its 7th year, is an international award programme that seeks the most innovative technological solutions to expand access to financial services in rural communities and strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The call is open to legally constituted entities operating in CAF shareholder countries with technology-based projects that are already active and in stages of growth or expansion. CAF currently has 24 shareholder countries of which six are in the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Selected projects will be invited to participate in the virtual Pitch Day, scheduled for November 18 or 19, 2025, where they will present to industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers from across the region. The top eight projects will be granted access to international acceleration programmes, investment preparation, technical support, and alliance-building opportunities, including mentoring from experts, access to masterclasses, and tailored networking.
Applications are open until September 7, 2025. Proposals are invited in four categories:
- Financial and digital education and skills
- Inclusive financial products and services
- Entrepreneurial capacity and productivity of MSMEs
- GovTech solutions to improve interaction between the State and rural communities
The call also aims to expand financial inclusion in key areas of rural development such as agribusiness, production chains, trade, logistics, climate resilience, energy transition, and sustainable tourism.
Key Details
- Registration deadline: September 7, 2025
- Virtual Pitch Day: November 18–19, 2025
- Awards: Acceleration programmes (January–May 2026) and preparation for investment and partnerships (May – August 2026)
- Organized by: CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and strategic partners
- More information and registration: www.caf.com/lif2025
About CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
The mission of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean is to promote sustainable development and regional integration through the financing of projects in the public and private sectors, providing technical cooperation and other specialised services. Created in 1970, the Bank has 24 shareholder countries: 19 Latin American and Caribbean, together with Spain and Portugal, and 13 private banks. CAF is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and an important generator of knowledge for the region. More information at www.caf.com
