Central American MSMEs are recognized for their innovative proposals in energy efficiency and sustainability, thanks to CABEI, KfW, and the European Union

San José, October 14, 2025. - With the support of the Green MSMEs Initiative II, a tripartite effort by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the German Government, through KfW, and the European Union, the Central American Institute of Public Administration (ICAP) concluded the Capacity Building Program for MSMEs in Energy Efficiency, Cleaner Production, and Green Financing.

The training, conducted between May and October, involved 95 representatives of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Central America. It aimed to reduce knowledge gaps and equip them with practical tools to become proactive actors in the energy transition towards an inclusive, sustainable, and low-carbon economy.

As part of the closing event, the six most outstanding business proposals in the program-one from each participating country-were awarded a US$1,000 incentive each to support the implementation of their innovative projects in energy efficiency, cleaner production, and green financing.

The winning MSMEs were:

• Q'anil Consulting is the Organic Nums brand from Guatemala.
• El Salvador Culinary Development Center.
• Katana Raíces from Honduras.
• Manuel Antonio Cabrera Obregón y Sucesores & Cía from Nicaragua
• Dolce Amaretto from Costa Rica, and
• Tropikós Farms from Panama.

"Participating in this program transformed the way we view our production processes, encouraging us to measure, prevent, and improve. Thank you to all the sponsors for providing us with real tools to make our company a model of sustainable beekeeping. This learning experience marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment to cleaner production," said Paola Rosario Rodríguez Estévez, beneficiary with her company Tropikós Farms in Panama.

With this effort, ICAP and the Green MSMEs Initiative II reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development and climate action in Central America, positioning MSMEs as protagonists of the just energy transition and the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).