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Rafael Barraza, CEO of Bancoagrícola, participated in the discussion “Transforming a Bank Toward Sustainability”, held as part of Sustainability and CSR Week 2025. The event brought together leaders from the national financial system to reflect on the role of banking in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable country.
A transformation with purpose
During his presentation, Rafael Barraza shared how Bancoagrícola has integrated sustainability as a strategic business pillar, with concrete actions that positively impact people’s lives and the environment.
“Everything we do has a clear purpose: to contribute to the country’s sustainable development to achieve the well-being of all. That’s why we work on three fronts: financial inclusion, strengthening the productive fabric, and building sustainable cities and communities”, he said.
Between 2020 and 2025, Bancoagrícola has mobilized more than US$7.8 billion in purpose-driven businesses, with a clear goal of reaching US$18.126 billion by 2030. These resources have enabled the installation of 190 megawatts of renewable energy, mitigation of 212,000 tons of CO₂, optimization of 286,000 cubic meters of water, and transformation of 15 buildings with solar panels, which is equivalent to taking 140 vehicles off the road or planting more than 9,700 trees.
“Each disbursement represents a story: a growing company, a strengthening community, a family gaining access to opportunities. Sustainability is not just a rhetoric; it is actions that speak for themselves”, Barraza said.
Sustainability as a country strategy
In the discussion, Rafael Barraza emphasized that the financial system has a unique responsibility and opportunity: to be an engine of transformation for El Salvador.
“In the next five years, we can accelerate the transition toward a more resilient and competitive economy, mobilizing resources for projects that directly impact people’s lives: clean energy, water efficiency, sustainable mobility, and climate adaptation”, said the CEO.
Bancoagrícola, as part of the Grupo CIBEST, already has 36 active climate projects, 189.8 MW of installed capacity, and has mobilized US$300 million in sustainable funding, particularly benefiting SMEs, women, and emerging sectors.
In addition, the bank is working on innovative financial instruments in partnership with IDB Invest, focused on protecting water, biodiversity, and ecosystems. These initiatives reflect the bank’s commitment to solutions that generate economic, social, and environmental value. An effort that unites us.
“Sustainability generates real value: more jobs, innovation, and communities that thrive. We want to invite business leaders to embrace it as part of their strategy. We, the financial system, are ready to support them with knowledge, products, and partnerships that pave the way”, said the CEO of Bancaagrícola.
An effort that unites us
The event closed with a collective call to action. Rafael Barraza reaffirmed Bancoagrícola’s commitment to continue supporting people, businesses, and communities on their journey toward a more just and sustainable future: “The transformation toward sustainability is not an individual path; it is a shared effort. At Bancoagrícola, we believe that when companies join forces with vision, innovation, and commitment, the country’s sustainable development is accelerated”.
As the bank of salvadorans, Bancoagrícola reaffirms its purpose of promoting the well-being of all with actions, partnerships, and solutions that transform lives. Because every decision made today can change the course of the country tomorrow.
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