Overview
Jamaica is the largest English-speaking Island in the Caribbean, with a population of about 3 million people. After enduring an economic decline as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica's economy has shown signs of recovery and resilience in recent years, though the country continues to face development challenges such as security, poverty, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
Our partnership
The EU supports Jamaica’s Vision 2030, the country’s first long-term development strategy, to promote economic resilience, inclusive growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
Team Europe in Jamaica brings together the EU, EU Member States (notably Germany, Spain, and France), and European financial institutions. The EU partners with Jamaica in areas such as green and digital transitions, private sector development, security and justice, and disaster preparedness.
The EU has allocated over €43 million to support this partnership. EU-Jamaica Partnership documents can be found in the 'Related documents' section below.
Our key initiatives
- Digital
The EU supports Jamaica’s inclusive digital transformation through inclusive access to digital technologies in education and businesses. Key actions include:
- Building digital competence of educators and improving Wi-Fi. connectivity in public schools and places of safety across the country.
- Supporting medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting technology for growth and efficiency.
- Stimulating a fair telecom market to enhance telecom market competition and 5G readiness using secure technologies.
- Green transition
To foster the green transition, the EU assists Jamaica by:
- Supporting the development of a green bond market through training and technical assistance to the Jamaica Stock Exchange.
- Encouraging green investment via EU development finance institutions and public-private partnerships, including for major water treatment projects.
- Promoting dialogue and reforms to facilitate investment in renewable energy and meet Jamaica’s renewable energy target.
- Supporting project preparation and blended finance facilities for bankable green and blue economy projects.
- Transport and infrastructure
The EU promotes sustainable development and port modernisation in Kingston Harbour by:
- Supporting the development of public-private partnerships to address drainage issues and upgrade port infrastructure, aligned with green certification goals.
- Supporting Jamaica’s ambition to become a global green logistics hub.
- Trade and business
To foster private sector development and regional integration, the EU supports Jamaica by:
- Providing technical assistance for trade and investment facilitation, as well as regulatory reforms.
- Promoting the Caribbean Investment Forum.
- Good governance and human security
The EU also supports Jamaica in:
- Implementing a Citizen Security Programme to enhance community safety and prevent violence.
- Addressing gender-based violence and strengthening response mechanisms through targeted investments.
