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The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) allocated 69 million euros to its programs in Cuba in 2024.
According to a report from the official press, this government organization develops a total of 18 programs on the island, in strategic sectors including culture, sustainable agriculture, and territorial development.
Among the programs promoted by AICS in Havana is the Santa Clara project, “which revitalized the eponymous convent to transform it into an international center for training in heritage restoration.”
The Zonas Creativas project aims to create cultural spaces in Havana and Matanzas for young people and women in the fields of "sustainable fashion, comics, and visual arts."
The Hab.Ama agriculture project, for its part, funds "more than 370 local productive entities, strengthening food security in the capital."
Italy also supports the PiùCafé project in Cuba, which aims to modernize the coffee production chain, as well as Agrobúfalo and Línea Verde, which are dedicated to livestock and food production using renewable energy sources.
In the field of territorial development, the Havana Est project "promoted participatory governance and formulated municipal strategies for sustainable development," and in cooperation with assistance from the European Union, it is intertwined with Sustainable Municipalities, a program that is implementing ecological transition in eight Cuban municipalities.
The official report states that for AICS, Cuba is "a priority country for its cooperation agenda in the region."
The Cuban economy, devastated after decades of Castroism, largely relies on international aid.
In January, it was announced that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Italy are developing a program for the energy transition in the Isle of Youth, with a particular focus on the installation of photovoltaic parks, modern electrical grids, and electromobility.
A few days ago, it was reported that citizens, businesses, and public institutions in Vietnam donated more than $4.8 million in just 48 hours, at the beginning of an official campaign to support the Cuban regime.
Under the pretext of the crisis, Cuba continues to beg for "aid" from its allies, such as Vietnam, Russia, China, and Venezuela, but also from right-wing governed countries like Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy's International Aid to Cuba
How much money did Italy allocate for development projects in Cuba for 2024?
Italy allocated 69 million euros for development aid in Cuba during the year 2024, according to the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). This amount has been used to finance 18 programs in key sectors such as culture, sustainable agriculture, and territorial development.
What are some of the projects financed by Italy in Cuba?
Italy has funded several projects in Cuba, including the Santa Clara project for heritage restoration, the Creative Zones project to support sustainable fashion and visual arts, and the PiùCafé project to modernize the coffee production chain. Furthermore, there are initiatives in agriculture and participatory governance such as Hab.Ama and Havana Est.
What is the impact of international aid on the Cuban economy?
The Cuban economy heavily relies on international aid due to decades of ineffective economic policies under the socialist regime. Assistance from countries such as Italy, along with donations from allied nations like Vietnam, Russia, and China, is crucial for sustaining various sectors on the island, although it is often accompanied by criticisms regarding the lack of transparency in its management.
What challenges does Cuba face in the execution of energy projects financed by foreign entities?
Cuba faces significant challenges in the execution of energy projects, including unmet promises, financial opacity, and duplicated donations. Recent history shows a pattern of lack of accountability regarding the use of international funds, leading to skepticism about the effectiveness of projects such as the energy transition in Isla de la Juventud.
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