Brazil and Cuba Launch Groundbreaking Partnership to Transform Urban Landscapes and Expand Affordable Housing Across Latin America

Published on December 14, 2025

Brazil and Cuba have initiated a strategic collaboration aimed at reshaping urban development and expanding access to affordable housing. The two nations recently signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange technical knowledge, share best practices, and jointly develop sustainable solutions for urban growth and housing challenges. This agreement underscores a shared commitment to building more resilient and inclusive cities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The memorandum was formalized during the Forum of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Housing and Urban Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI) held in Barbados. Unlike traditional aid-based agreements, this partnership focuses on knowledge sharing and technical cooperation rather than financial transfers. The collaboration addresses multiple urban priorities, including city planning, housing construction, climate adaptation, and the improvement of informal and unstable settlements.

Under the framework of the agreement, Brazil and Cuba plan to implement a series of activities such as technical workshops, professional training programs, national conferences, and joint events. These initiatives aim to strengthen urban planning capacities, improve housing delivery systems, and introduce innovative approaches to city management. By exchanging expertise, the two nations seek to develop solutions that are practical, scalable, and sustainable in the context of rapidly growing urban populations.

Key areas of focus include spatial and territorial planning, urban design, cadastral management, and transportation infrastructure. Both countries aim to leverage their respective experiences to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability in urban development. By fostering collaboration, Brazil and Cuba are setting the stage for cities that are better prepared to manage growth, reduce informal settlements, and adapt to climate-related challenges.

The partnership also aligns with global development priorities, particularly the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable cities, affordable housing, and climate action. By prioritizing technical collaboration over financial assistance, the agreement encourages the creation of contextually relevant solutions that address local needs while promoting environmental and social sustainability.

Beyond urban development, the memorandum envisions strengthening cultural and tourism ties. Plans include initiatives to facilitate greater mobility between the two nations, such as a potential weekly direct flight connecting Sao Paulo and Havana. This aspect of the collaboration is expected to enhance tourism flows, foster cultural exchange, and support regional economic growth.

The agreement reflects a forward-thinking approach to regional cooperation, emphasizing education, skill-building, and shared expertise as tools for urban transformation. Technical exchanges and joint forums will provide opportunities for professionals to collaborate, share insights, and implement innovative urban projects that could serve as models for other countries in the region.

Urban centers in Latin America and the Caribbean face persistent challenges, including rapid population growth, inadequate infrastructure, informal housing, and climate vulnerability. By pooling knowledge and expertise, Brazil and Cuba aim to implement coordinated strategies that address these challenges efficiently. The partnership also encourages the use of data-driven planning methods, sustainable construction practices, and community-centered design to create cities that are resilient, inclusive, and adaptable.

This memorandum highlights the importance of regional collaboration in achieving sustainable urban futures. By focusing on knowledge exchange and technical capacity building, Brazil and Cuba are setting a benchmark for collaborative approaches to city planning and housing policy. The agreement ensures that both nations can develop innovative and locally adapted solutions, enhancing the quality of life in urban communities while supporting long-term sustainability.

As the collaboration progresses, Brazil and Cuba plan to expand joint activities, including professional workshops, technical visits, and shared urban projects. The partnership is designed to strengthen planning systems, improve housing accessibility, and equip cities to meet the demands of the future. Through this strategic cooperation, the two countries are demonstrating how regional collaboration can drive meaningful progress in sustainable urban development.