We are the agency that

connects Medellín

and the region to the world

Our Impact in Numbers ​

From 2008 to 2025, ACI Medellín has built a nationally and internationally recognized track record in investment promotion and international cooperation management.

USD

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Millions in foreign investment managed

USD

0

Millions in international cooperation mobilized

+ 0

Formal jobs generated

0

Projects Supported Through International Cooperation

For every peso we receive, we manage $21 in cooperation and $120 in investment for the city

Investment promotion

We support strategic projects from evaluation through to their consolidation in the territory.

Cooperation management

We mobilize financial and technical resources to strengthen institutional capacities.

Diplomacy and international positioning

We connect Medellín and its metropolitan area with global networks, multilateral organizations, and world cities.

Inspiring purpose

We believe in the transformative power of partnerships to drive sustainable development and build a city where quality of life is a priority.

Value proposition

We drive sustainable development through strong strategic relationships, trust, expertise, and technical knowledge, creating partnerships that transform.

Corporate Values

Values are defined as the philosophical essence that guides the way team members work together and support one another.

Integrity

Respect

Commitment

Diligence

Fairness

Knowledge

Relationship Building

ABOUT US

We drive the sustainable development of Medellín and its metropolitan area

We are the Medellín Cooperation and Investment Agency (ACI Medellín), the organization responsible for leading the internationalization of the city-region by fostering strategic relationships worldwide, attracting foreign investment, and managing international cooperation for development.

We promote partnerships that connect Medellín and the region with governments, multilateral organizations, companies, and global networks, strengthening international positioning and territorial competitiveness. Our work integrates city diplomacy, investment promotion, and institutional coordination to generate sustainable growth and real opportunities for the region.

We believe in the power of partnerships to transform realities. Our purpose is to connect Medellín and the region with the world to foster economic development, innovation, and well-being for its people.

We work closely with strategic stakeholders such as chambers of commerce, business associations, and public-sector organizations within the Medellín District ecosystem—including Ruta N, the Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Plaza Mayor—to position Medellín and its metropolitan area as an international benchmark for investment, cooperation, and urban development.

If you would like to learn more about our work or explore partnership opportunities, we are ready to connect.

Our
Leadership

Cristina Zambrano

Executive Director
[email protected]

Natalia Cardona

Positioning and Communications Director
[email protected]

Nicolás Rodríguez

Investment Director
[email protected]

Verónica Pupiales

Administrative Relations Director
[email protected]

Miguel Ángel Betancur

Cooperation Director
[email protected]

María Angélica Martínez

Knowledge and Innovation Director
[email protected]

Cristina Zambrano

Executive Director
[email protected]

Mónica Roldán

Legal Coordinator
[email protected]

William Alzate

Internal Control Advisor
[email protected]

María Clara Ortiz

Contracting Professional
[email protected]

Sofía Franco

Executive Directorate Assistant
[email protected]

Huber Jaramillo

Driver

Verónica Pupiales

Administrative Relations Director
[email protected]

Johana Hincapié

Accounting Coordinator
[email protected]

Yesenia Inés Arango

Planning Coordinator
[email protected]

Natalia Laverde

Administrative Management Professional
[email protected]

Raquel Graciano

Senior Human Talent Management Professional
[email protected]

Javier Botero

Information Systems Technician
[email protected]

Yennyfer Vargas

Accounting Assistant
[email protected]

Esperanza Naucil

General Services

Natalia Cardona

Positioning and Communications Director
[email protected]

Ana María Villa

Senior Professional
Internal Communication and Events
[email protected]

Juan Carlos Valencia

Senior Professional
Digital Communication and Social Media
[email protected]

Jesús Sáenz

Senior Professional
National and International Press
[email protected]

Lorena Piñeros

Senior Professional
Graphic Design
[email protected]

Julio Bohórquez

Senior Professional
Sos Paisa Program
[email protected]

Nicolás Rodríguez

Investment Director
[email protected]

Catalina Tabares

Senior Professional
Investment Funds
[email protected]

Wilson Aguirre

Senior Professional
Agribusiness · Life Sciences · Manufacturing
[email protected]

Federico del Valle

Professional
Infrastructure and Logistics · Energy · Commerce
[email protected]

Miguel Ángel Betancur

Cooperation Director
[email protected]

Mariam Char

Senior Professional
Cooperation Offer
mchar@acimedellin.org

Sandra Giraldo

Senior Professional
Cooperation Offer
[email protected]

Sarah Arango

Professional
Cooperation Offer
[email protected]

Diego Vélez

Senior Professional
Cooperation Demand
[email protected]

Clara López

Senior Professional
Cooperation Demand
[email protected]

María Isabel Agudelo

Professional
Cooperation Demand
[email protected]

María Angélica Martínez

Knowledge and Innovation Director
[email protected]

Laura Restrepo

Senior Professional
Cooperation Focus
[email protected]

Marcela Herrera

Senior Professional  
Cooperation Focus
[email protected]

Camilo Prieto

Senior Professional
Legal Climate
cprieto@acimedellin.org

Carolina Franco Bánó

Senior Professional
Investment Focus
[email protected]

María Fernanda Guerrero

Senior Professional
Investment Focus
[email protected]

Institutional
Framework

Our management is grounded in a clear strategic vision, solid ethical principles, and a defined organizational structure that guarantees institutional coherence, transparency, and continuity.

2025
International leadership
Medellín consolidates its international leadership through recognitions such as

Bloomberg Philanthropies, Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, Hilton Foundation y The Carter Center. The city positions itself as a benchmark in public innovation, sustainability, and urban governance, strengthening its presence on the global development agenda.

2020
City internationalization
ACI Medellín is an essential actor

in the city's internationalization strategy, vital for the post-pandemic economic recovery.

2017
World Bank
Thanks to ACI Medellín, an agreement was signed with the World Bank

for Medellín to serve as that knowledge hub at a Latin American level.

2016
New identity
It is determined that the entity's acronym changes from ACI to ACI Medellín

so that the entity's name and logo carry the name of the city.

2013
Organizational structure
After strategic planning, ACI

changes its organizational structure and begins working through process management in 2014.

2010
Communications
ACI created its Communications department

to disseminate Medellín's achievements and position the city as a destination for international-caliber events.

2009 
International window
ACI established itself as the international window

to promote Medellín's transformation and its good practices with the world.

2006
Foreign investment
ACI begins working

on attracting foreign investment.

2004
Expansion
ACI was included in the 2004 – 2007 Development Plan

within a strategic line and with an allocated budget.

2001
Creation
The Medellín City Council authorizes the creation of ACI

with an exclusive focus on international cooperation management.

 

 

Medellín’s internationalization and urban transformation strategy has been recognized by highly prestigious global organizations, consolidating the city as a benchmark in innovation, planning, and sustainable development.”

2026
Recognition
Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge 2026

Official recognition for winning the Mayors Challenge, thanks to the implementation of the "Alianza Medellín Cero Hambre" (Medellín Zero Hunger Alliance) program.

2025 
Award
Milan Urban Food Policy Pact

Milan Pact award for best city practices in food security.

2025 
Award
XVII International Mission of Safe Cities

Safe City Awards 2025, category for best crime prevention projects for "Parceros".

2024
Award
WWF – World Wide Fund for Nature

One Planet City Challenge Award - Winning city in Colombia.

2019 
Recognition
Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards – “The Resilient Future We Want”

The Green Corridors project was recognized within the framework of C40, Realdania, and Nordic Sustainability, highlighting the city's commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.

2019 
Award
Ashden in partnership with Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

2019 Ashden Award in the Cooling for People category for Green Corridors.

2016 
Recognition
Mayors Challenge 2016 for Latin America and the Caribbean

With the Bancuadra project, Medellín was one of the 5 winning cities. Bancuadra strengthened the established and legitimate networks in each neighborhood, promoting the financial inclusion of its members and, as a network, offering them a sustainability tool for their processes.

2016 
Award
Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize

Considered the "Nobel Prize for cities", this recognition awarded by the Lee Kuan Yew Organization highlighted Medellín's planning, urban renewal, and public innovation on a global scale.

2015
Award
Organization of American States - OAS

Inter-American Award for Innovation in Public Management – OAS granted to MiMedellín (Ruta N's co-creation and citizen participation platform) in the Open Government and Access to Information category.

2014
The most innovative city in the world
City of the Year – The Most Innovative City 

Medellín was recognized as the most innovative city in the world by the newspaper The Wall Street Journal, the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and Citi Bank, highlighting its urban and social transformation.

  • General Assembly of Associates. It is the highest authority of the Association and shall be composed of active associates. Its decisions shall be mandatory provided they are taken in accordance with the provisions of the ACI Medellín Statutes.

District government responsible for guiding the development of Medellín through policies, programs, and projects that improve the quality of life of its citizens.

Administrative entity that coordinates the ten municipalities of the Aburrá Valley to jointly plan and manage key aspects such as mobility, environment, land-use planning, and regional development.

 

An EPM Group company responsible for the comprehensive management of solid waste and the provision of sanitation services, contributing to environmental sustainability and urban well-being.

 

A public utilities company with a national and international presence that provides energy, water, sanitation, and gas solutions, and plays a key role in the sustainable development of Medellín and the region.

 

  • Board of Directors. It is the administrative body whose purpose is to make the necessary decisions for ACI Medellín to fulfill its objectives and purpose. The Board is composed of the members appointed by the associates in the General Assembly.