The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecasts that Venezuela’s economy will grow by 6.5% in 2026—the highest rate in the region. Nicaragua follows with 4.5%, Panama with 4.4%, Paraguay with 4.3%, and Guatemala and the Dominican Republic with 4% each.
ECLAC notes that some countries will maintain relatively dynamic growth, while others will continue to face sluggish development. Overall, Latin America is posting average growth of around 2.3% for the fifth consecutive year—insufficient to significantly increase per capita incomes or reduce the development gap.
According to the organization, the region will maintain the macroeconomic stability it has achieved but will develop less actively. A partial recovery could raise overall growth to 2.5% in 2027, although substantial differences between countries and subregions will remain.
Full version: ECLAC estimates Venezuela will have the highest economic growth in Latin America