©️Stéphane Daïley Lubin
Port-au-Prince, 19 July 2025. On the occasion of the official opening of the Colombian Embassy in Haiti, bilateral cooperation between the two countries is taking on a new impetus. Fellowships in agroforestry, an extensive agricultural programme to combat food insecurity and support for young Haitian entrepreneurs are among the projects announced.
The Republic of Colombia confirms its commitment to Haiti. On the margins of his second official visit, Colombian President Gustavo Petro inaugurated, on Friday 18 July, the embassy of his country in Port-au-Prince, marking a symbolic step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. This express visit, although planned to last two days, lasted only a few hours, without press conference or official communication to the Haitian media.
On this occasion, Ambassador of Colombia in Haiti, Vilma Velasquez, granted an exclusive interview to Radio Télé Métropole. It revealed several cooperation initiatives in the key areas of education, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
50 scholarships for young Haitians in agroforestry
In an effort to expand educational opportunities, Colombia offers 50 scholarships in agroforestry for young Haitians aged 20-35, having at least completed their primary education. Applicants must have a valid passport of at least six months and will be selected on the basis of a competition organised among the top 100 registered.
The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation and living expenses in Colombia. However, successful students will have to pay the visa fee. Interested parties can apply by e-mail, sending their full name, reason and passport number to becascolombiahaiti@outlock.com
An agricultural programme to strengthen food security
In the agricultural sector, the Haitian and Colombian ministries of agriculture are working together to launch next May a long-term agricultural programme, focusing on improving seed production and combating food insecurity in Haiti.
Ms Velasquez said that a group of Colombian experts would soon visit Haiti to work closely with Haitian specialists. A phase of work in Haiti will precede a displacement of Haitian experts to Colombia, in order to continue the development of the project.
Support for Haitian entrepreneurs
Another flagship initiative is an accompanying plan for Haitian entrepreneurs wishing to invest in Colombia. The programme aims to encourage economic exchanges and to support young project promoters in their integration into the Colombian market.
Through these concrete actions, Colombia intends to strengthen its ties with Haiti and contribute to the development of key sectors. A promising South-South partnership that, beyond diplomatic symbols, places youth and local production at the centre of priorities.
W.A.
