Colombia 2026: Smart Investment in Infrastructure
Managing Director & Partner of BCG. 04.28.2026 20:14 Updated: 04.28.2026 20:14
TL;DR
- Investing in infrastructure is a decision of competitiveness, not just a public works agenda.
- A sustained 5% increase in infrastructure stock can raise long-term GDP by up to 0.45 percentage points.
- For Colombia, transport infrastructure, particularly rail, offers the highest potential for growth.
- Logistics costs in Colombia are high, contributing significantly to sales expenses.
- There is a notable gap between infrastructure planning and execution in Colombia, with many projects delayed or underfunded.
- The next government inherits 11 megaprojects requiring significant funding, with only a fraction secured.
- Challenges include institutional bottlenecks, weak project structuring, and contracting mechanisms that prioritize cost over results.
- Recommendations include prioritizing transport, complementing with human capital, adopting public-private risk sharing, and strengthening institutions.