WASHINGTON, November 18, 2025 - The World Bank Board of Directors today approved a loan to expand the implementation of the Multipurpose Cadaster, an essential tool for efficient and modern land administration in Colombia. Updated cadastral information will strengthen land tenure security, local finances, and public investment, benefiting citizens and local governments through improved access to cadastral services, recognition of land rights, and enhanced planning capacity.
The US$100 million program aims to improve the operation of the National Cadaster Management System and expand coverage of the Multipurpose Cadaster, which records detailed information on land and its characteristics. To achieve this, the program will strengthen institutional and community capacities to implement and update the cadaster, modernize geospatial infrastructure, and promote the use of this data for territorial planning, risk management, and property taxation. It will also foster job creation by training women and vulnerable communities to participate in cadaster implementation, complemented by IFC support to attract private investment.
"Having a modern and comprehensive cadaster is fundamental for people to exercise their land rights and for local governments to plan better and collect revenues more efficiently," said Mark R. Thomas, World Bank Country Director for Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. "This program will enable more communities-especially the most vulnerable-to access quality cadastral services, contributing to better land management and more equitable and sustainable development."
Expected results include greater efficiency in cadaster maintenance, expanded coverage of updated data, and improved identification of land tenure rights holders, with a strong focus on gender inclusion and ethnic communities. The program seeks to complement the scalability and subnational implementation of the ongoing Multipurpose Cadaster Project approved by the World Bank in 2019, building on progress achieved and ensuring continuity of strategic objectives.
The Multipurpose Cadaster also improves the investment climate by providing accurate and standardized land information. By strengthening legal security and facilitating formalization, it promotes access to credit, boosts the real estate market, and reduces uncertainty in infrastructure projects and value chains, creating attractive conditions for investment and economic growth.
This financing is provided under the Program-for-Results (PforR) modality, meaning disbursements are linked to the achievement of specific targets. Funds are released once agreed results are verified, incentivizing efficient implementation and ensuring tangible impacts on fiscal sustainability and social inclusion.
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