Investing in Cuba in 2026
Latin America & Caribbean
20
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
Cuba earns an investment score of 20/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (30/100) and financial strength (22/100), with overall GDP of $107B and per-capita output of $9,500. Growth is running at 1.2% with 0.3% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is elevated at 28.0%, a key risk to watch. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Biotechnology (sector score 35/100, currently stable), which represents 3% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 22% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Cuba is with the global economy.
How Cuba's investment score has evolved over time
Biotechnology
3% of GDP, stable
Tourism
10% of GDP, declining
Mining
4% of GDP, stable
Agriculture
8% of GDP, declining
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Cuba a safe country to invest in?
Cuba carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 20/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 15/100, political stability 18/100, business climate 12/100, financial strength 22/100, growth potential 30/100.
What is Cuba's sovereign credit rating?
Cuba holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Cuba?
The top investment sectors in Cuba are Biotechnology, Tourism, Mining. Biotechnology leads with a sector score of 35/100 and represents 3% of GDP. Its current trend is stable.
What is Cuba's GDP growth rate?
Cuba's most recent GDP growth was 1.2%, with total GDP of $107B and GDP per capita of $9,500. Inflation is running at 28.0% and the current account balance is -1.5% of GDP.
How does Cuba score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Cuba scores: political stability -0.2, rule of law -1.2, corruption control -0.7, and regulatory quality -1.6.
Can foreigners invest in Cuba?
Most industries in Cuba are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Cuba?
Foreign Direct Investment in Cuba runs at 0.3% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 22%. These figures show how integrated Cuba is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Cuba?
Cuba's government debt stands at 30% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.