Access to investment capital remains one of the most addressable barriers to economic growth in Central America. Human capital development, while a longer-term challenge, is another key priority.

ACTIONABILITYDRAG ON GROWTHLargely structuralGenerationalLargely addressableChallenging, but actionableSystemic corruptionWeak rule of lawWeak climateresiliencePolitical instabilityLack of security /crimeHigh taxesCriticalinfrastructureBanking oligopoliesRegulatoryenvironmentRapidlychanging lawsManagementcapability gapsAccess toinvestmentcapital
Primary focusAlso addressed through operational supportSource: Bahlam analysis

Many of the region’s constraints, such as corruption, weak rule of law, and political instability, are structural and will take generations to change. Access to capital and management capability gaps are different: investors can address them directly, and doing so unlocks growth that is otherwise held back. That is where our model focuses.