Turning remittances into economic opportunities for women in Guatemala

Guatemala City, July 10, 2026 – The Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI), with funding from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC), officially launches the NIM KAT – Inclusive Business Ecosystems in Migration Areas in Guatemala project. The initiative will support 2,000 women receiving remittances, primarily young Indigenous women, in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez and Sololá.

The NIM KAT project recognizes that women who receive remittances already play a strategic role in managing household resources, supporting their families and stimulating local economies. However, they continue to face barriers that limit their access to economic opportunities, financial services, networks and decision-making spaces. To address these challenges, the CECI team will work alongside them to strengthen their position within their local economic environment and expand their economic opportunities.

The name NIM KAT, meaning "A Great Network" in several Mayan languages, symbolizes collaboration among women, institutions, financial cooperatives, the private sector, local organizations and communities to build more inclusive and resilient economic ecosystems.

The project promotes an approach based on gender equality, inclusion and interculturality, recognizing women as key actors in local economic development. It will strengthen participants' financial knowledge and technical skills, support entrepreneurship and employability, expand access to financial services, and reinforce women's leadership and participation in decision-making processes.

The implementation of the NIM KAT project is made possible through the collaboration of the Government of Canada, CECI and its partner organizations: FENACOAC R.L., the MICOOPE cooperatives, CONEXION, the Manctzolojyá Association of Municipalities and the Juan Francisco García Comparini Foundation. Together, they will combine their expertise, knowledge and capacities to transform remittances into opportunities for investment, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development for women and their communities.

About CECI

CECI is an international cooperation organization working to reduce poverty and exclusion through sustainable development initiatives in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Since 1958, CECI has contributed to improving the living conditions of more than 30 million people in approximately 40 countries.

Contacts

Paula Recinos
Communications and Advocacy Specialist, NIM KAT Project
paula.recinos@ceci.ca

Federico Bermúdez
NIM KAT Project Director
federico.bermudez@ceci.ca