Saudi Eksab, IDB Invest and CAF back new impact fund for Northern Latin America

Saudi Eksab, IDB Invest, CAF and IDC Network launched the Saudi Eksab, IDC Impact Fund to finance growing private companies across Central America and the Caribbean, with a possible expansion into the Andean region. The fund aims to combine long-term capital with regional execution to support business growth, jobs and broader development outcomes.

Why it matters: - The new fund is designed to channel more growth capital into private companies in Central America and the Caribbean, where financing can be harder to access. - The backers say the structure is meant to support both financial returns and development outcomes, including jobs, productivity and food security. - The vehicle could also attract additional institutional investors over time.

What happened: - Saudi Eksab for International Investments Company, IDB Invest and IDC Network launched the Saudi Eksab, IDC Impact Fund with CAF participating as a founding partner. - The announcement was made in Guatemala on Oct. 1, 2026. - Valante Capital, IDC Network’s private equity platform, was named fund manager. - Valante Capital will lead investment execution across the region.

The details: - The fund will invest in established, high-growth businesses in consumer-driven sectors. - Target sectors include food, distribution and retail. - The initial geographic focus is Central America and the Caribbean. - The fund may also invest in the Andean region. - Saudi Eksab anchored, originated and co-structured the platform with IDB Invest. - IDB Invest is contributing long-term institutional capital. - IDB Invest and CAF will bring regional investment experience and help mobilize private capital for development. - IDC Network, through Valante Capital, is contributing regional market knowledge, origination capabilities and local execution. - Saudi Eksab, IDB Invest and CAF will work with the fund manager to strengthen operating practices and align the fund with international standards. - The fund is structured to allow other institutional investors to join later, if their investment thesis matches the fund’s objectives.

Between the lines: - Saudi Eksab described the fund as its first deployment, signaling a concrete step beyond mandate-building. - IDB Invest framed the transaction as part of a broader effort to connect Latin American and Caribbean businesses with global capital. - IDC Network said the partnership fits its push to evolve as a multi-alternative asset manager with deeper roots in Northern Latin America. - CAF positioned the fund as part of a wider effort to mobilize private capital into productive investment across the region.

What's next: - The partners will begin investing in qualifying companies across the target markets. - Additional institutional investors may join the platform if they align with the fund’s strategy. - Saudi Eksab, IDB Invest and CAF will keep working with Valante Capital to support governance and operational standards.

The bottom line: - The fund gives Saudi Eksab, IDB Invest, CAF and IDC Network a new vehicle to pair development finance with private equity-style growth capital in Northern Latin America.