The Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area – ACI Medellín – closes 2025 with historic results that advance the well-being of its people and strengthen the city’s position as a trusted partner for the world. During this period, the agency facilitated more than USD 400 million in national and foreign investment, generating over 11,000 jobs—compared to USD 150 million and close to 2,000 jobs in 2024—representing a 266% increase in resources mobilized for development projects in the city.
Medellín achieved more than USD 400 million in investment and 11,211 jobs thanks to national and foreign capital—more than double the USD 150 million and 1,759 jobs recorded in 2024—further establishing the city as a reliable destination for business.
Foreign capital attraction was driven mainly by the technology, creative industries, infrastructure, and commerce sectors, with investments from the United States, Colombia, Brazil, and France. As part of its positioning strategy, ACI Medellín held two investment rounds for the first time: the first focused on traditional sectors such as agribusiness, energy, health, infrastructure, and technology, and the second on audiovisual industry projects in alliance with the Medellín Film Commission. These efforts enabled key connections with international investment funds. These achievements were possible thanks to joint work with strategic partners such as the Antioquia Investment Roundtable and the Medellín Chamber of Commerce for Antioquia.
Among the companies that continue to trust the city for new investments and reinvestments are Renault Sofasa, TaskUs, iQor, Accenture, Poma, Rivana Business Park, Softserve and DHL—organizations that have found in Medellín a stable, innovative, and competitive environment.
International cooperation continued to play a decisive role in Medellín’s social transformation, with partnerships with philanthropic organizations serving as a key source of resources, knowledge, and global collaboration. In 2025, ACI Medellín strengthened alliances with major foundations supporting the social and environmental impact of the Development Plan, notably the partnership with The Carter Center for the “Informing Women, Transforming Lives” project led by the Secretariat for Women, which received USD 50,000 and technical assistance to strengthen gender-focused communication strategies for women caregivers. Additional philanthropic organizations—including Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Hilton Foundation, and Sparkassen Stiftung of Germany—were also connected to support various projects with financial and technical resources.
Resources mobilized through international cooperation increased from USD 3 million in 2024 to a projection of nearly USD 8 million through projects expected to close before the end of the year.
Medellín has strengthened its global leadership by expanding its participation in city networks that promote international cooperation and sustainable development. Between 2024 and 2025, the city won cooperation calls, accessed training scholarships for public officials, presented innovative projects at international events, and participated in thematic micronetworks that enabled the sharing of best practices and the provision of mentorship to other cities. These advances generated technical assistance and potential cooperation funding for strategic projects of the Development Plan, such as Primavera Norte, which received technical support through the C40 network and GIZ. Active involvement in platforms such as C40, Mercociudades, CIDEU, and Metropolis has projected Medellín internationally as a leader in sustainability, innovation, and inclusion, reinforcing its global positioning and collaborative capacity.
Medellín was honored with the prestigious Milan Pact Award for its School Feeding Program, an international achievement that recognizes the city as a global reference in sustainable food systems with direct impact on citizens’ well-being.
Within the C40 framework, Medellín hosted the Public Buildings Decarbonization Academy, welcoming delegations from more than ten cities around the world. The city also presented environmental progress during London Climate Action Week, earning recognition for its ability to execute sustainable projects in challenging financial contexts. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez has played a prominent role in this global network as a member of the Steering Committee, highlighting Medellín in international arenas through flagship initiatives such as the Green Corridors—which have helped reduce urban temperatures by 2°C—and the Blue Corridors, aimed at preserving the rivers and waterways that run through the city.
According to Cristina Zambrano, Executive Director of ACI Medellín, “In this administration focused on people, this year’s internationalization results confirm that Medellín is a reliable partner committed to the well-being of its residents.
The 266% growth demonstrates the transparency and real impact of foreign investment and cooperation in transforming lives and territories.
This shared path with the international community is reflected in historic figures. From 2008 to 2025, ACI Medellín has facilitated USD 4.084 billion in foreign direct investment, generating around 44,000 jobs for the residents of the Aburrá Valley, and USD 134 million in international cooperation to strengthen projects and programs by the people and for the people.
This consolidates our District as a living laboratory where innovation serves the quality of life of its inhabitants.”
In terms of global visibility, the city received press trips from international media outlets such as NTN24, Diario Las Américas, VPI TV, RAI, Voice of America, DW, El Confidencial and The Telegraph, whose teams learned firsthand about Medellín’s urban, social, and environmental transformation projects, strengthening the city’s international projection.
The Sos Paisa network was consolidated as an active and strategic community connecting the Antioquian diaspora with opportunities in Medellín, with a clear goal: to become a tool for the region’s economic and social development and foster a sense of belonging among paisas abroad through tangible projects. Its renewed digital identity, along with thematic campaigns such as Bring a Paisa, Sos Paisa Emprende, Feria de Flores, and Medellín Loves You Wherever You Are, boosted the network’s growth and expanded its social media audience, reinforcing ties among paisas around the world.
This renewal also enabled coordination with the global scientific and academic diaspora to channel their knowledge into Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) projects. As a result, the network not only generates local impact but also stands as a powerful tool for scientific and academic diplomacy, positioning Medellín as a knowledge hub that leverages international collaboration to drive development and address global challenges.
In recognition of its social policies, Medellín received the Milan Pact Award in the Social and Economic Equity category for its School Meals Program, becoming one of six winning cities among 173 applicants and 357 evaluated practices worldwide. This award, which grants 20,000 euros, highlights the program’s comprehensive approach: ensuring healthy meals for thousands of children, strengthening food security, and promoting procurement from local producers.
