WASHINGTON, DC, May 19, 2026 — The World Bank Group approved a new operation in the State of Sergipe, Brazil, to create jobs and expand economic opportunities by improving access to sustainable, safe, and climate-resilient transport, strengthening connectivity and reducing logistics costs, particularly in underserved regions.
Sergipe continues to face persistent socioeconomic disparities, with below-average income levels and significant regional inequalities. Weak road conditions and limited maintenance have constrained access to markets, jobs, and essential services, while climate risks such as floods, droughts, and coastal erosion increasingly threaten infrastructure and livelihoods.
The new project will support the modernization of road asset management through long-term performance-based contracts, rehabilitation and maintenance of approximately 540 kilometers of roads, and improvements in rural and urban connectivity. It is expected to directly benefit more than 1.1 million people, including women, youth, and vulnerable communities, by improving access to schools, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The operation includes a US$100 million loan from the World Bank as part of the broader Brazil Pro-Roads Program, complemented by public and private investments that will help scale up resilient infrastructure and enhance service delivery.
The project will also prioritize road safety and climate resilience, including better drainage systems, safer urban crossings, and improved monitoring and maintenance practices. In addition, it will promote job creation and social inclusion through training programs and targeted actions to increase women’s participation in the transport sector.
“This project represents a structural shift in how Sergipe manages its road network, with investments to modernize more than 540 kilometers of roads, improve road safety, and strengthen the state’s capacity to plan and maintain infrastructure in a more efficient and sustainable way,” stated Sergipe Governor Fábio Mitidieri.
“Sergipe can boost growth and inclusion by improving connectivity and building more resilient infrastructure,” said Cécile Fruman, World Bank Country Director for Brazil. “This operation will help reduce transport costs, create jobs, and expand access to essential services, while strengthening the state’s capacity to manage climate risks.”
READ MORE: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/05/19/world-bank-group-supports-jobs-and-resilient-transport-in-sergipe
