WASHINGTON, 4 de febrero de 2026 - The World Bank Group's Executive Board of Directors today approved a US$200 million loan to support the Plurinational State of Bolivia's efforts to protect households most affected by the economic crisis and to strengthen its social protection system, making it more effective, efficient, and better prepared for future emergencies.
The financing supports the design and implementation of the Extraordinary Program for Protection and Equity (PEPE), a temporary government assistance program that provides financial support to the most vulnerable families facing rising prices and income shocks.
The program is expected to directly and indirectly benefit eight million people, including older adults without contributory pensions, people with disabilities, families with children in public schools, pregnant women without health insurance, and children under the age of two.
In parallel, the operation supports the Government's efforts to strengthen Bolivia's social protection system by improving targeting, delivery mechanisms, and inter-institutional coordination. These measures will enhance the efficiency and transparency of public spending, help ensure support reaches the poorest and most vulnerable households, and maximize the impact of every Boliviano invested.
"The World Bank Group has worked closely with the new authorities since the start of their administration. This project supports Bolivia's efforts to modernize the delivery of social assistance, strengthen public administration, and ensure programs are more efficient, transparent, and results-focused," said Susana Cordeiro Guerra, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean. "We remain committed to working in close partnership with the Government to advance its priorities to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen confidence and investment, and foster private sector-led growth and job creation."
Bolivia's Minister of Economy and Public Finance, José Gabriel Espinoza remarked: "The World Bank's support is a clear signal of confidence in the steps being taken to organize and stabilize the Bolivian economy, within a framework of democracy, institutional integrity, and social stability. This partnership is a critical input for improving safety nets in Bolivia so that we leave no one behind, and for safeguarding the most vulnerable families while we progress toward a more productive economy. Through programs like PEPE and by strengthening our social protection system, we are laying the basis for generating quality employment, improving productivity, and consolidating a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive growth. With this support, Bolivia is moving forward to build the necessary conditions to attract responsible investment, create better jobs, and promote the well-being of the entire population."
The Ministry of Economy and Public Finance will be the main implementing agency, while the Public Administrator of Long-Term Social Security will play a central role in determining eligibility and making payments to PEPE beneficiaries.
---
Website: www.worldbank.org/lac
