L’Ouverture Economic Development Plan for Haiti Act of 2025

This bill would create a Haitian American Enterprise Fund to invest in Haiti’s economy. The fund would back small and medium businesses, farming, manufacturing, and major infrastructure like electricity, roads, ports, water, and sanitation to create jobs and grow local industry . It encourages joint ventures with the Haitian‑American diaspora and expands access to credit, training, and modern technology . Broader goals include supporting democracy and security, addressing urgent needs, and reducing irregular migration by improving life in Haiti.

The fund would be set up as a private nonprofit (not a U.S. government agency), operated by the head of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and overseen by a 9‑member panel with U.S. and Haitian members. It could offer loans, equity, grants, insurance, and guarantees; raise U.S. venture capital; and reuse any returns—while capping grants at 20% of federal funds and limiting operating and feasibility costs to 15% of appropriated funds. The fund would face annual independent and GAO audits and must publish regular public and congressional reports. It must repay the U.S. Treasury and shut down by December 31, 2031; the bill also authorizes $1 billion per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. Investments should follow Haiti’s own industry priorities and consider human rights, environmental impacts, and effects on U.S. workers.

Key points

• Who is affected: Haitian entrepreneurs and workers; local farmers and co‑ops; the Haitian‑American diaspora; and U.S. investors who choose to invest alongside the fund .
• What changes: A new fund can invest in businesses and infrastructure; offer loans, equity, and limited grants; expand consumer credit and training; and create ways for individuals to invest in Haiti’s private sector .
• Oversight and transparency: 9‑member oversight panel; annual independent and GAO audits; yearly public and congressional reports .
• Money and timing: Authorizes $1 billion each year from 2026–2031; fund must repay the Treasury and end by December 31, 2031.
• Priorities: Focus on sectors named by Haiti’s government; weigh human rights, environmental safeguards, and impacts on U.S. jobs.