GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA SECURES USD 70 MILLION IDB LOAN TO ADVANCE PUBLIC SECTOR TRANSFORMATION

Hon. Fayval Williams, MP, CFA (left), Minister of Finance and the Public Service and Natacha Marzolf (right), Country Representative, Inter-American Development Bank are all smiles following a visibility ceremony for a new loan contract signed between both entities for continued support to the Public Sector Transformation Programme held at the Ministry on Friday, March 27, 2026. 

Kingston, Jamaica: Friday, March 27, 2026

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS) has signed a new loan contract with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) valued at US$70 million to support the Continued Public Sector Transformation Programme. The MOFPS and IDB representatives participated in a Visibility Ceremony for the loan agreement at the MOFPS on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The loan agreement, signed on February 13, 2026, will finance reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector over an implementation period of approximately six years.

While building on the achievements of the previous transformation programme, the initiative will enhance core government operations, including human resources, payroll, procurement, finance and accounts. The programme will support continuation of the transition from fragmented manual processes to more integrated technology-driven solutions.

The project comprises four (4) components, including:

• Shared corporate services across government valued at US$35,762,692
• Rationalisation of public bodies and delivery management valued at US$10,282,475
• Strengthening management structures and processes of the civil service valued at US$16,718,127
• Modernisation of human resource management systems valued at US$7, 236,707.

The agreement will also introduce digital tools such as a public servant registry, single sign-on platform and enhanced recruitment and performance management systems.

The total programme cost is US$78.5 million, with the Government of Jamaica contributing US$8.5 million in counterpart funding.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hon. Fayval Williams, MP, CFA, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, welcomed the agreement as a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing public sector transformation efforts.

“The Government of Jamaica values its continued partnership with the IDB in advancing our public sector transformation agenda. This collaboration will support the modernisation of public sector operations, strengthen institutional frameworks and enhance service delivery across key Government entities. Ultimately, we expect all Jamaicans to benefit, particularly through the strategic reallocation of cost savings to priority areas, including ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” said Minister Williams.

Meanwhile, Natacha Marzolf, Country Representative from the Inter-American Development Bank, highlighted that the programme matters because it is about improving lives, which is the IDB’s mandate.

“I would like to reiterate that we remain fully committed to Jamaica on this journey. We are privileged to witness the extraordinary public sector transformation underway and are confident that the resources provided under this new operation will bring even greater benefits. We also reaffirm our partnership and shared vision that Jamaica can serve as a regional leader in public sector efficiency, digital transformation and institutional strengthening,” said Marzolf.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Maria Thompson Walters, Executive Director of the Transformation Implementation Unit, underscored the project’s pivotal role in advancing the Government’s public sector transformation agenda, while emphasising that the successful realisation of this transformation extends beyond the remit of the TIU and requires a coordinated, whole-of-government effort.

“Transformation is something that we all must invest in, its success depends on the leadership and commitment of Ministries, Departments and Agencies right across the public sector. Our role is to drive and support the implementation, but the responsibility for the outcomes of public sector transformation is shared by us all,” she noted.

The programme will be implemented by the Transformation Implementation Unit under the portfolio of the MOFPS. The primary GOJ beneficiary institutions include the Office of the Cabinet, the Office of the Services Commission and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

This initiative aligns with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 National Development Plan and supports the Government’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery and driving sustainable national development.

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For further information contact:

Corporate Communication & Public Relations Branch

Ministry of Finance and the Public Service

30 National Heroes Circle

Kingston 4

Tel: (876) 932-4656/4660/4655

Email:  Shakiel.Rochester-Shorter@mof.gov.jm; Suzell.Wray@mof.gov.jm

Contact: Shakiel Rochester Shorter/Suzell Wray