Global remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached USD 728.6 billion in 2025, more than four times global official development assistance that year and exceeding foreign direct investment in those countries, reveals a new report released on September 14, 2026, by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The report, entitled Sending Money Home 2026. Beyond remittances : From lifeline to resilience - one family at a time, shows that over the past decade, remittances have remained one of the largest and most consistent sources of household financing worldwide, enabling families to meet their basic needs, build resilience, and invest for the future, even during times of crisis.

Since 2016, remittances have increased by 94%, outpacing both population growth and emigration in low- and middle-income countries. According to the report, 220 million migrants and diaspora members support 1.1 billion relatives, meaning that remittances reach approximately one in six people worldwide.

Nearly a third of the funds sent by migrants to their countries of origin—approximately US$233 billion—were received in rural areas, where access to formal employment, financial services, and public infrastructure is often extremely limited, and where such remittances can be crucial.

Latin America and the Caribbean saw the most significant growth: remittances to this region increased by 132% over the decade, reaching US$168.6 billion.

Figures concerning Haiti, based on the IFAD report :

1. Volume and growth of remittances :

Haiti received a total of USD 4.111 billion in remittances in 2025.

Ten-year growth (2016–2025) : Remittance flows increased by 85% during this period.

2. Dependence and economic impact :

Share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Remittances to Haiti in 2025 represented 17% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Share of exports : These remittances accounted for 822% of Haiti's total exports of goods and services.

Regional Ranking : Haiti is among the five most remittance-dependent economies in Latin America and the Caribbean (along with Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala).

3. Transfer Costs and Infrastructure :

Sending Cost : In 2025, the average cost to send USD 200 to Haiti via non-bank service providers was 5.4%.

4. Context and Regional Role :

Lifeline in Crisis Situations : Consistent with general trends observed in Central America and the Caribbean, remittances to Haiti provide essential support to families, helping them cope with economic instability, insecurity, natural disasters, and climate shocks.

Download the IFAD report (PDF in English, 61 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/SendingMoneyHome-2026_e.pdf

HL/ SL/ HaitiLibre