Improve access to banking services, while prioritizing women and vulnerable communities

Over half of the population of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador lack bank accounts or even mobile money accounts.

Full participation in the economy requires access to basic financial tools for individuals and access to financing for small- and medium-sized businesses.

PCA partners aim to financially include at least 11.5 million individuals and reach 2 million small businesses with access to financing.

Expand internet access with a focus on rural communities

Over half of households in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras lack internet access. Particularly for rural communities, having connectivity to the internet can facilitate access to financial inclusivity, education and online learning, and higher-quality jobs.

PCA aims to bring access to the internet to 5 million individuals across the three countries.

Bringing a gender lens to investment in the region.

Women in Central America participate in the labor force at far lower rates than men and suffer from the highest rates of violence against women in the world. Meanwhile, when women have access to economic opportunities, they invest 90% of their income back into their families and communities.

PCA launched In Her Hands, a women’s economic empowerment initiative, that aims to expand opportunities to 5 million women through financial inclusion, digital skilling, manufacturing and textiles, and agricultural programs.

Expand programming on employment training to support workforce readiness

Gaps in skilled labor pose barriers to employment across sectors. PCA aims to mobilize corporate, regional, and multilateral partners to expand programming on employment training to reach 150,000+ individuals across the region with programs to close the gaps in technical skills, English language training, and digital capabilities that directly prepare them for employment.

Support a market that is conducive to investment

High interest rates and lack of risk capital hinder the growth and development of businesses in Businesses in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

In collaboration with our partners, PCA aims to mobilize loans to small and medium-sized businesses with a primary focus on women-owned businesses.

Identifying investable projects to support infrastructure development

Gaps in infrastructure pose barriers to investment in manufacturing and other job creation in Central America.

PCA aims to facilitate infrastructure deals with the goal of lowering the cost of energy, improving reliability, and increasing access.

Support transparent and legal business practices that build trust and accountability across the business community

Encouraging a business climate that reduces corruption can support commercial activity and enhance investment and economic growth in the region.

As part of membership, all PCA partners are encouraged to adhere to the OECD Guidelines for Business.