The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) has successfully concluded a mission to Suriname conducted over the period October 6–10, 2025. The mission was aimed at assessing the progress of the CDF-financed electrification project at Cajana and Galibi; and furthering discussions on opportunities for increased collaboration between the CDF and Government of Suriname (GOSU).

The mission was led by Rodinald Soomer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDF, and included CDF Programme Specialists – Kyron Barker and Kenrick Burke.

Commendable Progress in the Electrification of Rural Communities
The US$ 11.8 m project to install hybrid renewable micro-grid systems at Cajana and Galibi is a part of a broader initiative to enhance energy access and support a just energy transition in Suriname’s rural communities. The project was financed by a US$ 10.01 m concessionary loan and US$ 0.49 m grant from the CDF; and US$ 1.3 m in-kind contribution from the Government of Suriname (GOSU). The project commenced with the signing of the Loan and Grant Agreements on April 24, 2024, with a projected implementation of 18 months.

Site visits and discussions with the Executing Agency – the Ministry of Natural Resources of Suriname – indicate that installation of the micro grids is over 90% complete, and should be fully completed and commissioned before the end of 2025.

These microgrids will provide reliable, clean, and sustainable electricity to 1,906 residents in 10 rural communities of the Cajana and Galibi regions; and the completion of this project will mark a significant milestone in Suriname’s pursuit of inclusive and resilient growth.

CDF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are also collaborating on the development of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note, which aims to mobilize climate finance to support the implementation of additional microgrid projects and the empowerment of other rural communities.

Paving the Way for Additional Investment and Increased Collaboration
During the mission, the CDF delegation held high-level meetings on Suriname’s national
development objectives that are aligned with the CDF’s mandate and opportunities for
increased GOSU-CDF collaboration.

CDF’s CEO paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Dr. the Hon. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons,
President of the Republic of Suriname to discuss opportunities for increasing CDF’s support to
the implementation of Suriname’s economic diversification and sustainable growth agenda –
including leveraging the CDF’s experience in increasing youth and community participation in
the inclusive growth of the agriculture and tourism sectors, respectively.

About the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF)
CDF is a Treaty-based organisation established under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to
provide financial and technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions, and sectors
within CARICOM; reduce disparities within and across Member States; and promote more
balanced economic and social development.