Sacyr Secures Landmark Sustainable Financing for Key Colombian Road Corridor
Sacyr Concesiones has reached a significant milestone with the successful closure of a €780 million (COP 3.66 trillion) sustainable financing package for the Buenaventura–Loboguerrero–Buga road corridor in Colombia. The investment is set to transform connectivity in the Valle del Cauca region, strengthening links to the vital Pacific port of Buenaventura while promoting social and environmental benefits.
The transaction, structured entirely in Colombian pesos to shield it from currency fluctuation risks, is being hailed as a landmark in the country’s 2025 infrastructure financing landscape. The deal was led and structured by JP Morgan, with the participation of key financial institutions including IDB Invest, IFC, Bancolombia, BBVA, FDN, and Bancoldex.
A financing model built on sustainability
The deal follows Sacyr’s Sustainable Financing Framework, aligning with internationally recognised sustainability standards and stringent reporting requirements. The framework embeds measurable environmental and social impact indicators such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting female employment in local communities.
A spokesperson for Sacyr Concesiones, noted: “This project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a catalyst for economic, environmental, and social progress in the Valle del Cauca.”
In total, Sacyr will invest COP 4 trillion (approximately USD 904 million) to build, operate, and maintain the route for 29 years, ensuring long-term operational excellence.
Strategic scope of the project
Spanning 128 kilometres, the corridor includes 35 kilometres of new dual carriageway and second-lane development across 118 kilometres. The route is a critical artery linking Buenaventura, Colombia’s largest Pacific port, with the interior, significantly improving freight and passenger transit.
Awarded by the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), the concession includes:
- Rehabilitation of 15 kilometres of road
- Enhancement of 33.7 kilometres
- Construction of 35 kilometres of new second-lane carriageway
- Maintenance and operation of a total 244 kilometres, including existing infrastructure
The project will also feature slope stabilisation works, the building of two short tunnels totalling 1.4 kilometres, and the operation and maintenance of 17 existing tunnels with a combined length of 9.3 kilometres.
Boosting regional development
The works, carried out by Unión Vial Camino del Pacífico – a wholly owned Sacyr Concesiones subsidiary – are expected to generate more than 6,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs. Travellers will enjoy safer, more comfortable journeys, with estimated travel time reductions of around 30 minutes.
The improved connectivity is projected to enhance trade efficiency, lower logistics costs, and stimulate regional industries, particularly agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
Sacyr’s expanding footprint in Colombia
This corridor marks the fifth major road concession undertaken by Sacyr in Colombia. The company already operates the Puerta de Hierro motorway and is engaged in the Canal del Dique ecosystem restoration project. These developments underline Sacyr’s long-term commitment to Colombia’s infrastructure growth.
The project also contributes to the country’s broader mobility goals, improving road safety standards and resilience to climate-related disruptions.
Growing value of concession assets
Sacyr’s portfolio of concession assets has grown to €3.957 billion, an increase of €406 million in the past year. This growth reflects the strength of its concession model and supports its Strategic Plan target of reaching €5.1 billion by the end of 2027.
Globally, Sacyr manages a portfolio of transport, hospital, and water infrastructure concessions valued at €28.8 billion. Its strategic vision for 2033 is to become a world leader in developing concessions under public-private partnership (PPP) models.
Driving sustainable infrastructure leadership
The Buenaventura–Loboguerrero–Buga project illustrates how infrastructure development can be aligned with environmental stewardship and social inclusion. By prioritising local employment, particularly for women, and committing to lower emissions, Sacyr is setting a benchmark for responsible construction and long-term concession management.
Sacyr’s ability to attract strong financial backing from both local and international institutions underscores investor confidence in its sustainability-driven approach.
Building a connected and sustainable future
With construction and operational works now progressing, the Buenaventura–Loboguerrero–Buga corridor is poised to become a symbol of modern, sustainable infrastructure in Latin America.
It will serve as a vital link between Colombia’s Pacific gateway and its inland markets, delivering tangible economic, social, and environmental benefits for decades to come.
